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GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

GOD'S INSTRUMENTALITIES 

IN EMANCIPATING THE AFRICAN SLAVE 

IN AMERICA, 



SPIRIT MESSAGES 

:e\r,o:m: 

FRANKLIN, LINCOLN, ADAMS, JACKSON, WEBSTER, 
PENN, AND OTHERS , 

TO THE A-UTZZOia,, 

THOMAS RICHMOND. 



" They cried— their cry came up unto God 

by reason of their bondage." 
" And God heard their groaning." — M08ES. 

" Try the spirits, whether they be of God." — John. 

"He that hath ears to- hear let him hear." — Christ. 

" Speak all thy thoughts, thinker, howsoe'er 

They flout the speculations of the age, 

Its pet conceits and fantacies." — Pollock Spirit. 



CHICAGO: 

RELIGIO-PHILOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING 

HOUSE 

S. S. JONES PROPRIETOR. 



1870. 






Id 



Entered accoiding to Act of Congress by 

THOMAS RICHMOND, 

the Office. of the District Court of the United States for the 
Northern District of the State of Illinois. 






INTRODUCTION 



No apology is offered for presenting this book to 
the reading and thinking public. It is ushered 
into existence by a power and authority above 
that of the apparent author. 

A Divinity that moves and sustains the universe, 
the Power that projects into being all existence, 
has produced the materials of this book, a.id con- 
centrated its elements in the author, wi^Ji an irre- 
sistible force and power, causing its compilation 
and publication. 

The object of this work is to show that God 
rules and controls the movements of men and 
nations now as manifestly as He did the Jewish 
nation in olden time. Especially is it given to 
show that the late civil war in these United States 
was produced and conducted by Him through His 
chosen instrumentalities, for the purpose of deliv- 
ering four million human beings, held as slaves, 
from cruel and unjust bondage, and also inflict a 
just retribution for the sin against humanity perpe- 
trated by the American people for more than two 
hundred years. God moved upon the spirit of the 



INTRODUCTION. 

nation, working through the various ramifications 
of American sentiment, and forms of government, 
to inaugurate the strife. He then guided it to the 
removal of the infamous crime of negro slavery. 
The moral and religious sentiment of the people 
was not sufficiently elevated and pure to do this 
work of justice. God had appealed to it many 
years in vain. He next resorted to the lower 
passions of the slaveholder, which manifested 
themselves in rebellion against the national gov- 
ernment, and ultimately accomplished the desired 
object. " The wrath of man praiseth Him." 

GOD USES INSTRUMENTS. 

A few years proceding this great work, and pre- 
paratory to it, God, through that scientific philos- 
opher, Dr. Franklin, and others, " rent the veil" 
between this material world and the world of 
spirits, opening the way by which spirits could 
communicate to mortals, by using their natural 
faculties. 

A NEW DISPENSATION 

of life, a new mode of divine manifestations was 
introduced, a living, active commerce was opened 
between the spiritual and material worlds, by 
which the wisdom and sympathy of the upper is 
transmitted to the lower world, to our conscious 
material senses. 



INTRODUCTION. 
A CONGRESS OF SPIRITS 

composed of the former statesmen of this country 
and persons of governmental experience abroad, 
who felt an interest in human welfare and the 
rights of man, existed. Dr. Franklin, of Revolu- 
tionary days, the early Philadelphia printer, he 
who first brought electricity under human control, 
was constituted communicator of the wisdom and 
plans of that Congress to mortals. The author of 
this book was appointed by the same authority to 
receive, impart, and promulgate the wisdom thus 
communicated by Dr. Franklin to him, through 
the appointed medium. 

Dr. Benjamin Franklin's history is well known 
by the American people, and needs no comment. 

President Lincoln is known throughout America 
and the world, as the great visible instrument of 
the emancipation of the African from slavery. 
His letters to the author since he passed away, as 
well as the messages from Dr. Franklin and others, 
prove that he was controlled by the Divine Mind 
acting through this author's brain ; they show that 
this was the channel of power from the world 
above, acting upon the national mind. 

Dr. Farnsworth, the medium through whose 
hand the messages were written, is known as a 
writing medium, answering sealed letters for a time. 
At the commencement of the war Dr. Franklin 
perfected his development as a mechanical writing 
medium, and used him up to the present time. 



INTRODUCTION. 

Nearly all of the communications in this book 
were written mechanically through his hand, with- 
out pay, by the spirits whose names appear. 

Dr. Franklin is the controlling spirit of this 
work ; most of the messages are from him. There 
are some from John Q. Adams, Wm. Penn, Danl. 
Webster, J. C. Calhoun, Andrew Jackson, Abra- 
ham Lincoln, George Washington, I. T. Hopper, 
Napoleon Bonaparte, Joan of Arc, Mary, Queen 
of Scots, Josephine, and others. These messages 
cover a period of ten years ; the subjects were the 
war, reconstruction of the national government, 
and the amendments to the Constitution. Not- 
withstanding their apparent sameness, there are no 
two messages alike. Each one has a fact, thought, 
or idea, which no other one contains. The nume- 
rous spirits and various dates make up a good 
variety. 

The fact that for ten years the spirits wrote to 
me on the same theme, the various minds commu- 
nicating, and the constancy with which they dwelt 
upon the leading subjects, ought to convince every 
honest mind of the truth of the grand idea, that 
God inaugurated the rebellion, and worked out its 
results through the instrumentalities herein named. 

I ask the indulgence of the learned reader for 
what to him will appear a great lack of good taste 
and refined language. I have no pretension to 
literary acquirements. More than fifty years of 
active business life and correspondence have given 
me a mode of expression more befitting that life 



INTRODUCTION. 

than authorship. This mode of expression I have 
used in this book — always laying more stress on 
the facts, truths, and principles given, than the 
dress in which they are clothed. This is the first 
book of my production — contains the first thought 
of being the author of one. This thought came 
with the request of Dr. Franklin to me, in June, 
1866, to gather up the communications that are 
in this book, compile, and publish them. I offer it 
to the reader for its intrinsic worth, and not for its 
polish or style. Read it for its truths, its science 
and philosophy ! Read it to cure your infidelity, 
and to quicken and cultivate your religious nature. 
Read it for its facts and history. Read it to estab- 
lish and strengthen your faith in the Wisdom and 
Power that works this great universe with the pre- 
cision of perfect mechanism. Read it, though it 
lacks the polish of literature, or rhetorical order 
and science : 

"Be true, thinker, to thy nature's law, 
"And borrow not another's style, but speak 
" Thine own brave thoughts in thine own spirit's tongue. 
"Call things by their right names, right minds shall hear." 

Pollock Spirit. 
To those who have known me as a business man 
for years, I need only say that I was acted upon 
by an irresistible power above me, and gradually 
developed and drawn into God's service in a work 
of national justice, as unexpectedly as St. Paul 
was changed from the work of persecuting Chris- 
tians, to that of preaching Christ. The same 
power that called Moses from his sheepcote, called 



INTRODUCTION. 

me from commercial pursuits, and for the same 
purpose — of securing justice to oppressed - hu- 
manity. 

For those who are unacquainted with me, I copy 
a paper given by my old business friends in Chi- 
cago, recommending me to office in the govern- 
ment, under President Grant, which paper never 
was presented to him, as I felt that I could not 
confine myself to such a place as I knew that my 
ability demanded. 

Be it understood that this paper relates solely to 
my fitness for office under our government, having 
no reference whatever to this book, or my religious 
faith. 

I have given an exceedingly brief sketch of my 
business, religious, and spiritual career. My effort 
for brevity leaves but a skeleton of what it should 
be, to present me fully and fairly. This private 
history was not of my own prompting, or to show 
myself to the world, but was given by the special 
direction of Dr. Franklin, as an essential basis of 
this book. And so I send the book to the world 
upon its own merits. 

Chicago, March 1, 1869. 
U. S. Grant, President : — We, the under- 
signed, old inhabitants of the City of Chicago, 
having been acquainted with Mr. Thomas Rich- 
mond for many years, as a resident and an active 
business man in this city, take pleasure in recom- 
mending him to your favorable notice and consid- 
eration, for any office that he may desire. 



INTRODUCTION. 



We regard his business experience, capacity, 
industry, aud integrity, equal to any position he 
may ask in our government. He has been from 
the first an earnest and consistent Republican, and 
was a soldier in the war of 1812. 



Ohas. V. Dyer, 
Wm. B. Rogers, 
Henry G. Young, 
A. J. Averill, 
S. W. Stryker, 
J. Nottingham, 
Saml. T. Atwater, 
Howard Priestly, 
Egbert Jamison, 
J. H. Knowlton, 
A. A. Sample, 
C. Y. Richmond, 
T. W. Steele, 
Mahlon D. Ogden, 
L. Laflin, 
S. Clary, 
Thos. Church, 
Albert Crosby, 
George Keyes, 
John T. Lester, 
F. Tuttle, 
J. C. Walter, 
H. Hayes, 
A. Duncan, 



Matthew Laflin, 

Wm. Bross, 

Geo. M. Higginson, 

0. S. Hough, 
F. W. Pratt, 
C.Follansbee, 

H. W. Blodgett, + 
Chas. B. Brown, 
Thos. H. Marsh, 
Frank Scales, 
F. M. Kanzler, 
Jas. A. Smith, 
Chas. Scott, 
L. P. Hilliard, 
C. Beers, 

1. Y. Munn, 
Geo. W. Gage, 
Jas. Vanlnwaggen, 
Chas. Hinckley, 
William Brine, 

S. A. Kean, 
I. N. Arnold, 
C. B. Smith, 
German Smith. 



INDEX. 



My Youth and Minority 9 

In the Army of 1312 11 

First Journey West— How Employed 12 

Now of Age, and Began for Myself 13 

First Shipment of Salt— First Credit 15 

Spent a Winter Studying Law 18 

First Shipment of Salt to the Upper Lakes 19 

Purchased Land — Laid Out Village in Ohio 21 

Moved to Richmond, Ohio, and Commenced Business 23 

Suspension of Banks — Great Embarrassment of 1337 24 

Became Member of Ohio Legislature 25 

Commenced Business in Cleveland 26 

Removed to Chicago , 27 

Became Member of Illinois Legislature 29 

Built the Richmond House, Chicago 30 

Built and Sent Vessel to Liverpool 30 

Took the Agency of N. Y. C. R.R., and Steamers 32 

First Sermon Heard and Remembered 39 

Religious Experience 42 

Built Large Church in Richmond 46 

Member of Presbytei'ian General Assembly that Tried Al- 

bert Barnes for Heresy 47 

Left the Church for its Slaveholding Complicity 50 

Interview With Spirit of Mrs. Chester 52 

Daughter Carrie First Entranced 55 

Carrie Passed Away 56 

At J. Q,. Adams' Request We Hold Circle 56 

German Minister Visits Me 60 

Passed a Summer in New England 61 

Passed a Winterin Boston 62 

Took Baths in Salem by Dr. Rush's Orders 66 

My Mode of Obtaining Truth 67 

J. Q. Adams' Letter 72 

Miss Barrett's Visit to Spirit Congress 74 

" Circle of Three " Formed 75 

Andrew Jackson's First Letter 77 

I. T. Hopper's First Letter 78 

Letters from Napoleon, Joan of Arc, Josephine, Mary, 

Queen of Scots 80 



INDEX. 

"PAGE 

Franklin and Adams Call Me to Boston 81 

My First Letter to President Lincoln 97 

Franklin's Seven Letters on Philosophy of Spirit Control 102 

My Letter to Gov. Todd, of Ohio 118 

My Second Letter to Lincoln 124 

Franklin Tells How He Influences Lincoln 129 

Use of "Circle of Three" 129 

How Spirits Live 130 

My Third Letter to Lincoln 134 

Daniel "Webster's Letter to Me 137 

Wm. Penn's Letter to Me 138 

Patrick Henry's Letter to Me 140 

Lincoln's (Spirit) First Letter to Me 143 

Second " " " 145 

JohnQuincy Adams' Letter to Me 146 

Franklin's Account of My Development 150 

Daniel Webster's Letter to Me 153 

Letters from Adams and Franklin 154 

Andrew Jackson's Second Letter • 156 

Josephine's Second Letter 157 

Mary, Queen of Scots' Second Letter 158 

Letters from Napoleon and Joan of Arc 160 

My Letter to President Johnson 161 

My Letter to Chas. Sumner, U. S. Senator 163 

" " " Thaddeus Stevens 163 

My Letter to Franklin and His Reply 164 

Arrived at Washington — Note to Franklin «... 170 

Franklin's Reply..... 170 

John C. Calhoun's Letter to Me 175 

" " " Communication in Banner of Light 176 

Franklin Sends Me to the White House 181 

Franklin Wishes Me to Mingle with Congressmen 186-8 

Johnson's Trial —Bribery in Senate 189 

Franklin Gives Diversity of Mediumship 195 

Franklin Directs Me to the Medium at Waterford 196 

My Letter to Senator Trumbull 197 

Johnson's Impeachment — Senate Vote 199 

Franklin's Reason for Change of Visit to Letter 200 

I. T. Hopper's Second Letter 201 

Franklin Directs Me to Write Gen. Grant 203 

How I am Used in This Work 209 

Farnsworth, the Medium, Brought to Chicago 213 

Franklin's Conditions of Control 214 

Lincoln's Third Letter 21? 

Washington's Letter 220 

Franklin Surveys the Past 221 

Franklin's Closing Paper 226 

The Argument 230 



THE AUTHORS EARLY HISTORY. 



CHAPTER I. 

I was born in the town of Barnard, in the state 
of Vermont, December 8th, 1796. My parents 
were farmers, and in very moderate circumstances. 
I was the fifth child and third son in a family of 
ten. The country was new, mountainous and cold. 
It required the constant and severe labor of each 
of the family, from their earliest ability to labor, 
and the most rigid economy in the whole family to 
maintain itself, and supply only the actual needs 
of each person. 

Appropriate labor was furnished and imposed 
upon each child, as he became able to do some- 
thing. 

In those early days there was no manufacture 
of cotton goods, or clothing of any kind, in this 
country, except what was done in families. Each 
family of farmers manufactured clothing for itself 
from flax and fleece raised by themselves. There 
was no commerce of any amount then and there; 



10 THE AUTHOR'S EARLY HISTORY. 

it was all that the people could do to support them- 
selves and improve their farms. 

The opportunities for education were very lim- 
ited, although education was highly appreciatod 
by the inhabitants. The towns were districted, 
and schools kept, more or less, in each district. In 
the district I lived in, there was a school kept by 
a female, three months in summer, and by a male, 
three months in winter, usually. 

Living remote from school, I had a poor chance 
to attend, but finally, being a good scholar, ob- 
tained what was termed a fair common-school edu- 
cation; attending school only when I could be 
spared from farm work. 

As the family grew up, one after another, each 
in turn, had to go out to work. As our farm did 
not furnish work for all the family, — nor did it 
ftirnish support for it, — we had to dispose of our 
labor as best we could, to supply home deficien- 
cies. 

In those days, people never talked about mak- 
ing money or getting rich, as now-a-days. The 
only concern then, was how to live, — how to sup- 
port, educate, and bring up their growing families. 
People only bought what they could pay for by 
exchange of commodities, and they paid for what 
they bought. There was scarcely money enough 
in the country to pay the taxes. There was a 
good reason for it. The people raised nothing to 
sell of much moment, 



THE AUTHOR'S EARLY HISTORY. 11 

In my sixteenth year, I was hired out by my 
father to John Foster, for six months, to work on 
a farm, at ten dollars per month, for which my 
father was to have money enough to pay his taxes, 
and the rest in young cattle — these were called 
"neat stock." At that age I did a man's work 
with other men in the field. The next year being 
1813, I was in my seventeenth year. I enlisted 
in the one year's service, in the army. This was 
in the war with Great Britain, in 1812. Govern- 
ment paid a bounty of sixteen dollars, on enlist- 
ment, and eight dollars per month wages, and fur- 
nished the following rations : one pound of bread 
or flour, one pound of beef or fourteen ounces of 
pork, half a gill of vinegar and a gill of whisky; 
I think I have this correct. I was selected by an 
officer to wait on him, so I had no hard military 
service to perform ; indeed, I was in the country 
with my officer, on recruiting service some three 
or four months. I saved and returned to my fath- 
er all my wages drawn from government, and 
returned home again to work on the farm as for- 
merly. 

My mother died when I was in my twelfth year 
of age. My father soon married again, and had 
an increase of family, promising to be somewhat 
numerous. 

Home became not as agreeable as I could wish, 
and I sought of my father my time, to allow me to 
go from home and get my education. My ambi- 
tion was to be a lawyer, when I was a. out sixteen 



12 THE AUTHOR'S EARLY HISTORY. 

years old. He thought that he would give me my 
time after a year or two, but the time had never 
come when he could spare me. 

In my nineteenth year, by his advice and con- 
sent, I left home for the West, with one Zadoc 
Thompson, a young friend, both bound for Cen- 
tral New York, intending to take schools, having 
learned that there was great want of, and high 
wages paid to teachers. 

We started on foot. Each had his clothes tied 
up in a home-made linen handkerchief, and provi- 
sions enough to last a few days. This was in Sep- 
tember, 1815. 

We traveled, on foot, together, to what was 
then called Salt Point, being now the first ward of 
Syracuse. The land where the body of Syracuse 
now is, was then a cedar swamp, too soft for an 
animal to pass safely in the summer time. 

Here, being offered twenty-five dollars per 
month to work on a boat on Onondaga Lake and 
Seneca River, I accepted it, leaving my friend 
Thompson to go into the country alone. This 
price for work seemed enormous, having recently 
worked for ten dollars. It tempted me to aban- 
don the idea of being a school teacher for the pres- 
ent time. I continued to work on the boat until 
it froze in, and was stopped by ice. I then hired 
out to tend a salt manufactory. My work was 
called "boiling salt." The manufactory was call- 
ed "a block of kettles." 



THE AUTHOR'S EARLY HISTORY. 13 

I continued until late in April, the following 
spring, when I collected my earnings and return- 
ed on foot to my father's, the distance being two 
hundred and forty miles. I walked it in six days. 
What I earned, I carried to my father. I worked 
during the summer on my father's farm, and in 
the fall, I took my wardrobe as before, and went 
again to Salt Point, on foot, walking all of the 
way in six days. I worked there again through 
the winter, returning in the spring with my earn- 
ings to my father, and working at home that sum- 
mer, as formerly. This made four times that I 
traveled over that road, performing the journey 
of two-hundred and forty miles in six days each 
time (except the first), carrying my cloahing and a 
supply of provisions. 

This fall, 1817, being 21 years old, and, accor- 
ding to the Puritanic usuage of New England, serv- 
ed out my time fully with my parents, I started 
as a free man for the West, determined to be a 
rich man before I died. A neighbor of ours going 
West with an extra horse, allowed me to ride him, 
which I thought a great favor. I arrived again 
at Salt Point, with only a shilling in my pocket, 
which I kept for more than thirty years as a 
charm. 

Having worked out my minority, I felt right in 
leaving, although my father urged me hard to re- 
main and take the property, the charge of the fam- 
ily, and support the parents. The young family 
had become numerous already, with the possibility 



14 THE AUTHOR'S EARLY HISTORY. 

of further increase. I felt that I had been faith- 
ful and just to them, in serving my full minority. 
Now, I was free to act for myself, and it was my 
right to leave that old home, and just to myself to 
pursue my own chosen way. So with the bless- 
ings of the family, and their prayers for me, and 
mutual good wishes and farewells, we parted. 

Safely at Salt Point, I felt my new condition: 
A free man. Myself, my labor and my earnings 
were all my own. 

The one great idea of becoming rich inspired 
me to effort, and to overcome all obstacles. I went 
to work with a will, and the following winter I 
tended a salt-block alone, — it being two men'? 
work. My first aim was to acquire three hundred 
dollars. This would take me to a level with some 
other young men of the place. 

Salt Point was remarkable then for fever and 
ague, and its severity. My very hard work, and 
the coming of warm weather, in the spring and 
early summer, brought on this disease with great 
virulence. I had, however, accumulated my cher- 
ished sum of three hundred dollars. 

About this time I received a letter from my 
father, stating that an old debt, which he had owed 
from my childhood, was pressing him, and that (if 
possible) I must send him two hundred dollars ; as, 
unless I did so, he might lose his farm. 

I heeded the call, and sent him the sum. It 
was a hard trial. Parental care and affection, on 
one side, and my own interest, the love of the first 



THE AUTHOR'S EARLY HISTORY. 15 

money, I ever had the privilege of calling my own, 
the severe and hard labor it had cost me, and no 
expectation that I would ever receive it back on 
the other, balanced in my mind for a few hours. 
When I decided and sent the money, I felt re- 
lieved and happy. Soon afterwards I returned 
home with my fever and ague. I started on horse- 
back, the common way of traveling then, and the 
day after, my chills, and the fever following, last- 
ed eighteen hours, during which I could not sit up. 
I succeeded, however, in reaching my old home, 
having the ague every alternate day, on the way. 
Healthy air and kind attention soon restored me to 
health. 

Returning to Salt Point in the fall, I again 
went to salt-boiling for the winter, taking my pay 
in salt. The usual pay was every fifth bushel, for 
boiling, or tending a salt-block. By severe labor 
and great economy, I saved and packed one hun- 
dred and twenty-two barrels of salt, by the first of 
May, which I owned. There was, by the laws of 
New York, a duty of five shillings per barrel on 
salt, which must be paid before it could be remov- 
ed from the works. It was the duty of the super- 
intendent of the salt springs to visit all the works 
and examine the salt, once or twice a week. By 
these visits, Dr. Kirkpatrick had often seen me, 
my work and my salt. I had no money to pay 
the duty on my salt, nor friend to assist me in 
shipping it abroad. I could not sell it at the 
works for cash without great sacrifice. What shall 



16 THE AUTHOR'S EARLY HISTORY. 

I do? was the thought. I considered Dr. Kirk- 
patrick a gentleman. He had seen me all winter 
in that servile employment, and, of course, had no 
respect for me. He was made liable for the duty 
on all the salt inspected. To trust me was to be- 
come liable for the amount to the State. I was 
young, looking like a boy. Pondering all these 
things over, I concluded to rally courage, put on a 
good face, and ask the superintendent to trust me 
for the duty which was about seventy-five dollars, 
until I could take my salt to Canada, sell it, and 
return. I did so. He asked me how long I 
thought I would be gone. I replied, not over six 
weeks. Without another word, or the scratch of a 
pen from me, he wrote an order to Mr. Mead, in- 
spector, to inspect and brand for me one hundred 
and twenty-two barrels of salt. He did so. The 
next day I had my salt loaded in a boat for Oswe- 
go, on the way to Canada. The mode of transit 
then was by boat twenty-four miles to Oswego Falls, 
freight, two shillings per barrel, a portage of one mile 
costing one shilling ; in small boats to Oswego, twelve 
miles, two shillings, making five shillings freight to 
Oswego ; thence, by vessel, to Little York, Canada 
(now Toronto), where I sold it, costing by schoon- 
er, one dollar per barrel, and half a dollar duty in 
Canada. I received pay in American half dollars, 
at which I was delighted. I returned in less than 
six weeks. The first thing I did was to take this 
shining silver to Dr. Kirkpatrick, and pay him the 
sum due. This was tne proudest act of my life 






THE AUTHOR'S BUSINESS HISTORY. 17 

especially when I learned from him that it was my 
hard labor and good behavior that he had seen of 
me in the salt works, that gave him the confidence 
to trust me, while he had denied several merchants 
and other business men of the place. 

I found by this that men of sense respected lab- 
V)r, and what I had foolishly supposed the superin- 
tendent looked upon contemptuously, was the great 
merit that gave me credit. 



CHAPTER II. 

The Author's Business History. 

Having now fairly entered upon my commercial 
life, I continued once or twice a year to ship 
salt to Canada and the Western States. 

The second winter after being of age, at Salt 
Point, I spent in a lawyer's office, studying law 
reports, the principles of law, and attending courts 
to gain legal information. It was the most profit- 
able winter of my early life. That study prepar- 
ed me to do my business writings, and fitted me 
to understand the legal bearings of commercial ac- 
tion. 

There were no harbors on the lakes; no light- 
houses, nor a steamer. The Western country was 
just beginning to be settled. There were but 
few, probably not a score of vessels navigated 
from Montreal to Chicago, and these were small 
sail craft. 

I continued making, buying and shipping salt. 
My first shipment, to what was then called the Up- 
per Lakes ; the lakes West of Niagara Falls. 

The transit I have described, to Oswego, thence 
by vessel to Lewiston; portage of seven miles to 
Schlosher, thence in boats to Black Rock. 



THE AUTHOR'S BUSINESS HISTORY. 19 

There was no harbor at Buffalo. Vessels load- 
ing at Black Rock, were towed by oxen up the 
Rapids into Lake Erie. My salt was for Cleve- 
land, Ohio, and having all of my means invested 
in it, I went along to sell it. The freight on this 
lot of salt was three dollars and a quarter per bar- 
rel — now about thirty cents. This was early in 
the spring of 1819. 

The commissioners appointed by our government 
to establish the boundary between the United 
States and Canada, after the close of the war oi 
1812, were on the same vessel my salt was shipped 
on. 

The vessel sailed directly to Detroit. I then 
shipped my salt and myself back to Cleveland in 
a small vessel called the Hannah, Capt. Belden- 
There was no harbor at Cleveland ; no warehouse, 
and but a small village. 

I remained some two months at Cleveland, en- 
deavoring to sell my salt for money, but there was 
none to be had. Finally, I traded for a drove of 
cattle, driven from the South to sell. There was 
no money to buy them. I drove them to Salt 
Point, but there was no one who had money, to 
buy. 

I grazed them in Salina reservation, until they 
were well fatted in November. 

There was then no market, no butcher, no pack- 
er. I had to be my own. I sold the meat again, 
for salt; converted the hides into cash, and the 
tallow into candles, and peddled them at five 
pounds for a dollar. 



20 THE author's business history. 

I extended my business ; purchased six hundred 
acres of woodland near the works ; married, built 
a house on theland, and lived on it two years. 

The year previous to this, I invited Dean Rich- 
mond (an orphan without a home, and cousin of 
mine), to come to my house and live. I urged him 
to give up his roving habits, live in my family, 
run the salt works, in which I would give him an 
interest. He did so, and he did well. I was 
then in mercantile business with a Mr. Barnes, and 
at my suggestion, Dean bought him out. 

When the Erie canal was first opened, I bought 
a boat and horse, employed a boy to drive him while 
I steered, and took into Rochester the first load of 
salt ever taken thence by canal. 

Syracuse had now grown into an active little 
city. Dean Richmond had grown by his applica- 
tion to business, integrity, and perseverance, a 
solid prosperous business man, with twenty thou- 
sand dollars. His talent as a boy, and as a man, 
was of high order. I had never borrowed a dol- 
lar, I had never asked assistance, had no friend 
to aid me, nor did any one, except the kind Dr. 
Kirkpatrick. 

I was worth twenty thousand dollars before my 
name ever went inside of a bank for a loan. 

In 1830, Mr. W. Williams, wholesale merchant 
in New York, sought a mercantile partnership 
with me, and took the interest of Dean Richmond. 
Our firm was " Richmond & Williams." 

The new firm did a large business, selling goods, 
manufacturing and shipping salt. 



THE AUTHOR'S BUSINESS HISTORY. 21 

In the early spring of 1832, I had occasion to 
go to Ohio, on business, without a thought of pur- 
chasing or moving West. Night overtook me at a 
country tavern in Perry, Ohio, a few miles from 
Fairport, the name of the little village and harbor 
of Grand River, thirty miles east of Cleveland. 
The common bar-room contained all the guests, 
and the liquor of the house. Besides myself, there 
were several persons from Fairport, one of whom 
told the others that it was intended to purchase 
ninety acres of land on the river, opposite Fairport 
village, and lay out a new town. 

Without inquiry, I learned by their conversation 
the quantity of land, its location, and that Judge 
King, of Warren, Ohio, some forty miles distant 
was the agent. 

My business called me directly to Warren. I 
resolved to see Judge King, and make inquiry, 
thinking there might be an obj ect in purchasing. At 
barren, I called on him in the morning. I found 
that he had late the evening before, arrived from 
a long absence at Washington. A large number 
of letters had accumulated in his absence. 
He was indisposed to talk until he had read his 
letters. Then I made inquiry about the land, ask- 
ed for its refusal until I could go and see it. He 
could not grant this ; on his table were three let- 
ters, asking his terms for this land, — that he must 
answer these letters, with terms of sale, but if I 
wanted it, and would decide then, I could have it. 



22 THE author's business history. 

I had not seen the land, was traveling on busi- 
ness, had no thought of buying property in the 
West, when I left home, — "I said to him, I have 
only money with me sufficient for my current ex- 
penses, — am a merchant in Syracuse, N. Y. 

If you will accept my check on Onondaga Co. 
Bank, I will take it, and you may make out the 
title." 

Judge King accepted the proposition. In two 
hours the matter was adjusted. On this pivotal 
circumstance, in this country tavern, and meeting 
Judge King at the only moment that he was at lib- 
erty to sell the land to me, changed my location, 
and future career. My business life changed, I 
became a resident of the West. 

Feeling that I had ever been controlled by a 
Providence, wise and good, it gave me confidence 
in all my future movements. 

I saw the property and was pleased. My broth- 
er living in the vicinity, I engaged him to build 
me a dwelling and store-house. . I returned to 
Syracuse, and informed my partner of my pur- 
chase, and my intention of removing to that place, 
he urged me to give him an equal interest, and con- 
tinue our partnership. I assented. We sold our 
mercantile interests at Syracuse, and moved to 
Richmond, Ohio. 



CHAPTER III. 

Here in 1832 we commenced forwarding and 
commission business, selling heavy merchandise and 
paying cash for country produce, being the first 
cash market at that harbor. 

My partner Mr. Williams removed to New York. 
He attended to purchasing goods for me, and sel- 
ling the country produce I shipped to him. 

This trade was daily increasing, settlers came and 
the town grew rapidly. 

I owned stock and was director in the Bank of 
Geauga. My credit was unlimited. 

Our business was very profitable. Everything 
was prosperous until about 1838. A canal was 
constructed nearly parrallel with the Lake, from 
Beaver, Pa., to Cleveland. This canal cut off the 
country trade to the Lake, from Richmond, Ash- 
tubula, and Coneaut harbors, and transferred it to 
Cleveland, consequently all these places went down. 

Each year we built one or more vessels for the 
Lake trade, and took a small interest in the steam- 
er Rochester, when she was built. 

In May, 1837, the financial crash came, all the 
Banks in the country simultaneously suspended 
specie payments. 



24 the author's business history. 

This fell like a thunderbolt upon the country 
creating universal alarm and consternation. Sus- 
pensions and failures followed in quick succession. 

The other owners in the steamer failed, and on 
me she fell with a debt of thirty-five thousand dol- 
lars. This, with my other indebtedness, embarras- 
ed me. A few creditors asked for securities, I 
refused them, and notified all, that I would secure 
no one, and that I would pay no one faster than 
I would all. I would pay any one in property on 
call, or if undisturbed I would pay every dollar 
and interest, in cash. 

This positive course saved me from failure and 
loss of all. I had due me eighty thousand dollars, 
not five thousand was ever collected. We had dis- 
solved partnership. 

From the time of this suspension I ceased col- 
lections for lots sold. I felt the loss of business to 
the town by this canal, and the embarrasment of 
the time ; the place was valueless for business, and 
that it was unjust to collect pay for what had no 
value. 

These circumstances led me to rent my ware- 
house, discontinue business, and devote all my at- 
tention to the settlement of our affairs. 

Pursuing my own course undisturbed by credit- 
ors, I had every dollar paid, with interest, before 
1840, and a trifle . over twelve thousand dollars 
left. 

Early in 1835, I loaded the schooner Eelhn, 
Capt. Chase, with provisions and fruits, for Chi- 
cago, to supply this small village. Directing the 



THE AUTHOR'S BUSINESS HISTORY. 25 

Captain after he sold, to advertise, and run her as 
passenger packet between Chicago and St. Joseph, 
Michigan, until September; then return home. 
He did so, and in ballast, not being able to find 
anything for shipment East. The vessel returned 
as directed, and made a good season's business. 

The people suffering under their embarrasmenta 
were very clamorous against the banks for suspend- 
ing specie payments, in May 1837. The following 
fall, thinking I had some financial capacity, they 
elected me to the Legislature. 

I was appointed one of the Committee on Banks 
and Currency. I found strong prejudice in the 
Legislature against the banks, the committee had 
no idea of other, than coercive laws. 

Without the knowledge of any member, I com- 
menced with the session, gathering facts and the 
history of the banking business of each state, and 
the United States, from 1810 to 1837. I wrote a 
report, and read it to the committee. It surprised 
them. They directed me to report it to the House, 
with the bill I had drawn, which I did. It changed 
the opinion of the majority. The House ordered 
five thousand copies printed for the use of its mem- 
bers, a compliment not extended to any other re- 
port that session. 

The bill was passed into law, which enabled the 
banks to resume, and within thirty days from its 
passage, most of them were paying specie for their 
bills, although allowed over one hundred for that 
purpose. This received the commendation of 
financial and business men. 



CHAPTER IV. 

I removed to Cleveland, and connected myselt 
with parties in Detroit, Buffalo and New York, in 
commercial business. We continued nearly three 
years. Our business was large, having charge of 
seventeen sail vessels, a daily line of steamers on 
the Lake, and thirty-two canal boats on the Ohio 
canal, running from Cleveland. 

In the winter of 1843-4, my head clerk bought 
the interest of the other partners. He and myself 
continued the business two years, when I deter- 
mined to dissolve, and remove West. 

When I closed with this partner, I left in his 
hands, assets of nearly one hundred thousand dol- 
lars, to settle liabilities of about sixty thousand, all 
being matters of the firm. Instead of converting 
them and paying the indebtedness, he took an- 
other partner, continued business, using the as- 
sets as capital, and died; leaving these debts 
upon me, which I subsequently settled, never re- 
ceiving a dollar. 

Before leaving Cleveland I purchased the schoon- 
er Swallow, 11© tons burthen, for my son, Charles 
to take into Lake Superior. He did so in April, 



THE AUTHOR'S BUSINESS HISTORY. 27 

1846, hauling her one mile overland, around the 
Falls of St. Mary's River, on timbers and rollers, 
then launching her. 

This was the first vessel on that lake. It was 
needed for the copper mining business just com- 
menced along its shores 

Two years before, I assisted my eldest son to es- 
tablish himself in mercantile and commercial busi- 
ness with goods, vessels, and store-house in Ra- 
cine, Wisconsin. 

I spent nearly a year searching for a good busi- 
ness location in the West for myself. Better 
pleased with Chicago, than any other place, on the 
12th of April 1847, 1 bought the warehouse on the 
corner of State and South Water Streets; again 
engaged in the shipping, forwarding and commiss- 
sion business, dealing largely in country produce. 

Chicago had no canal, no railroad, no telegraph, 
and but about fourteen thousand inhabitants. 

My sons engaged in business with me, the two 
oldest being silent partners. The firm was "Rich- 
mond, & Co. 

The first ten years we were very successful, ac- 
cumulating nearly three hundred thousand dollars 
in property. Having started an active business, 
my vision began to penetrate the future, and con- 
template a much larger trade for Chicago. 

Standing on this "Pisgah top" of commercial 
prospect, considering the immense country spread 
out between us and the Rocky Mountains, and sur- 
rounding us on either hand, scarcely a tithe of 



28 THE author's business history. 

which was cultivated, the product of which must 
find its first market in Chicago ; but its ultimate 
in foreign countries by way of the sea ; I saw the 
New York Canal inadequate to the coming de- 
mand. 

Looking further, following the waters of Lake 
Michigan through Huron, Erie, Ontario, and the 
St. Lawrence River, to the broad Atlantic, I 
perceived the proper channel, the one that Grod 
had made for that purpose, and that we must 
avail ourselves of, in coming time. Southward 
rolled the mighty Mississippi. Fortunately thought 
I for the country, these two channels existed. 

The latter was ours; unfortunately the St. Law- 
rence was in British possessions, where our ship- 
ping might not pass or trade, until the right was 
secured by treaty. 

Inspired by these considerations, and to open 
this great channel, I wrote a series of articles for 
the " Chicago Daily Commercial Advertiser," urg- 
ing the importance of the free navigation of the St. 
Lawrence to both countries. Many of these arti- 
cles appeared in Canadian Journals, and were 
copied in the English papers. 

I corresponded with Sir Hamilton Merritt, of 
Canada, who acted as Colonial Secretary ; he 
favored the object most earnestly. I endeavored 
to arouse the West to the advantages of this river 
to our shipping interests. On presenting the mat- 
ter to Senator Douglass ; he saw at once its im- 
portance. Taking the facts and statistics that I 



THE AUTHOR'S BUSINESS HISTORY. 29 

had prepared, he successfully carried the measure 
of a reciprocal treaty with Canada, through Con- 
gress. Thus was secured this great boon ; the free 
use of this river. 

In the autumn of 1854, the Free Soilers, Aboli- 
tion and Whig parties fused, and formed the Re- 
publican party. A number of its leading men 
addressed me, asking my consent to run for the 
Legislature. 

I replied by letter that I would accept the office 
if elected, and fill it to the best of my ability, but 
it must be done without any effort on my part ; 
that I regarded offices created for the benefit of 
the people, and they aught to decide who should fill 
them uninfluenced by any effort of the candidate. 
Besides this, I felt too much delicacy to solicit 
votes for myself, 

I was elected, and appointed by the Speaker of 
the House of Representatives, Chairman of the 
Committee on "Banks and Corporations," a very 
laborious position. This Committee had the full- 
est confidence of the House, its reports and rec- 
ommendation were generally adopted without much 
opposition. The respect and kindness exhibited 
towards me by the members of that body was more 
than I expected, which gave me much satisfaction, 
and excited gratitude. Here I formed a close 
acquaintance with the genial Abraham Lincoln, 
subsequently President of the United States. 



CHAPTER V. 

In the summer of 1855, 1 commenced building a 
Hotel, and rented it for ten years from its comple- 
tion,- to Messrs. Tabor, Hawk, & Co., who opened 
it September 18 56-, and called it the " Richmond 
House." It continues to bear that name. 

It cost without the land, a hundred and forty 
thousand dollars — eighty thousand above the estim- 
ate of the architect, when commenced. 

Meanwhile, myself and son Charles were build- 
ing a large vessel in Cleveland, Ohio, for the Lake 
and ocean trade, between Chicago and England, 
via the St. Lawrence. She was named " Dean 
Richmond," and loaded with wheat in Chicago, 
and sailed for Liverpool, August 1856, my son 
master and supercargo. 

The first voyage that was made between these two 
ports direct. We made the experiment more to 
prove the practicability of a direct commerce be- 
tween the Western Lakes and foreign countries, 
than hopes of private gain. It was eminently suc- 
cessful, accomplishing the voyage in sixty days, 
without accident, delivering her cargo in good con- 
dition to consignees. 

We sold the vessel in England. , 



THE AUTHOR'S BUSINESS HISTORY. 31 

Holland, niy son and partner, — my dependent for 
assistance, being confined by protracted sickness, 
the whole of our extensive business devolved on 
me. It was too much for my body and brain. 
However, I sustained our business until the close of 
that year's navigation. 

The opening of 1857, found me prostrated. I 
abandoned business and took my room unable to do 
anything. In May following, I left Chicago for 
the home of my childhood in Vermont, remaining 
the summer upon the farm where I spent myyonth. 
In September, I returned with improved health. 

During this absence the great financial crash of 
1857 came, and appalled the country. All kinds of 
property were offered for sale, but there were no 
buyers. Suspensions and failures followed, and 
distress prevailed. We had lost much in grain, 
vessels and insurance. 

The eighty thousand dollars cost beyond the es- 
timate of the architect for the Hotel, also the fail- 
ure of the Hotel rents, and other moneys due us, 
together with our depressed business, and maturing 
bills, compelled us in 1858, to seek a loan. 

I sought an old friend and capitalist in the East, 
in whom we had the fullest confidence, and arran- 
ged with him to furnish what money and assistance 
we needed to sustain us. 

In order to secure him amply, and make him 
feel cheerful in aiding us, we gave title deeds 
of our real estate, intended as mortgage security, 



32 THE author's business history. 

with all our assets in stocks, bonds mortgages, 
and otherwise, and sent the same to him in New 
York. 

He kept and used all this property, without ful- 
filling any part of his engagement, and refused to 
answer our letters of inquiry — unscrupulously hold- 
ing these titles to our property without giving any 
consideration whatever. 

Subsequently this man died, the administrator 
of the estate refused to notice our claim. To obtain 
justice, we commenced suit against the estate in the 
United States Court, for two hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars, which is now pending. 

In April 1858, I made arrangements with the 
president of the New York Central Rail Road Co., 
to act as agent with my sons, for that company 
and the line of steamers running to Chicago, in 
connection therewith. 

This business furnished us support while we held 
it, six years. 

While engaged in this agency, I purchased and 
shipped to Eastern markets annually, large 
amounts of flour quite successfully. The profits 
enabled me to purchase a block of five houses on 
Park Avenue, to buy some stocks, and relay the 
North Western Plank Road, which was worn out 
and nearly valueless, a majority of which we had 
owned since 1848. 

We transported the material for the government 
steamer Michigan, from Pittsburg to Erie, Pa., by 
canal and lake. 



THE AUTHOR'S BUSINESS HISTORY. 33 

We transported the first iron bars laid in the 
Michigan Central Rail Road, by that state from 
the Ohio River to Detroit. 

The first ties laid in the Galena and Chicago 
Union Rail Road (now North Western), were fur- 
nished by us, and brought by our vessels from 
Ohio. 

Our vessels were the first in Saginaw, and did 
the exclusive carrying trade of that place for sever- 
al years. 

The stone in the first built Court House, being 
the centre of the present extensive building, we 
brought from Buffalo in our vessels. 

I first suggested the formation of the Chicago 
Board of Trade, and with a Mr. Whiting, who was 
made the first secretary and was the first grain 
broker in the city, called the meeting and prepar- 
ed the plan and papers for its organization. 

Before there was a steam vessel on these lakes, 
or government constructed a harbor, or built a 
lighthouse along these shores — before any canal 
was made or telegraph contemplated, I commenced 
commercial pursuits upon the Western waters, and 
have followed the same for more than half a cen- 
tury. 

For forty, years I applied myself full twelve 
hours each day, and for twenty years managed a 
larger business than any other person in the Lake 
trade, without one month's recreation. Fifteen 
years of this time in New York ; fifteen years in 
Ohio ; and twenty-three years in Chicago. 



84 THE author's business history. 

The Western country has grown to its present 
position, entirely within my observation, and some 
of it through my humble services. Fifty-five years 
ago my first journey to the West, Utica, N. Y. 
was the most Western town of any magnitude and 
trade. Tide-water supplies were taken by teams 
from the country to the Hudson River. Along 
the Mohawk the roads were thronged with loaded 
wagons for Albany market. 

Anxious to know the laws of life and health of my 
own organization, I made it a study in early man- 
hood, and have endeavored to obey those laws as 
I discovered them. For more than forty years I 
have not drank a glass of spirits as a beverage, 
and have abstained from intoxicating drinks of 
every kind. 

After using tobacco over forty years, in 1860 I 
gave it up, and immediately added to my weight 
nearly thirty pounds. 

I uniformly retire before ten in the evening, and 
rise early. Whether at home or abroad, I aim to 
have my meals at regular hours, and eat nothing 
except at mealtime. With few exceptions, I have 
enjoyed excellent health ; and do at the present 
time. 

I have lived in the most interesting period of 
human life. At no age of the world has mankind 
developed their faculties so rapidly, and made such 
rapid strides of human genius, mental growth, and 
spiritual manifestations. 

I write this brief narrative of my more promi- 



THE AUTHOR'S BUSINESS HISTORY. 35 

nent business career, not to exhibit myself, but as 
a basis for this book, which claims to be of Divine 
origin ; showing its author to be a plain, practi- 
cal, business man. 

Here, at the close of this short narrative of th e 
leading events of a long business life, I desire to 
make a few suggestions for the benefit of young 
men, and those in business, more advanced. 

I can say in the language of King David, 
"I have been young and now am old; yet have 
not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed beg- 
ging bread." 

To young men I have to say that your repu- 
tation is entirely within your own keeping. Char- 
acter and reputation, are not exactly the same, but 
they are very nearly akin. They are a better 
capital for you than money. They will carry you 
through life, and furnish you a better close of it 
than wealth. 

But you may have both ; seek first the former, 
and by industry and prudence, the latter is sure. 

To business men I have to say, you feel 
that you can manage and control your own busi- 
ness, which is true to a certain extent in ordinary 
cases. 

You cannot control the great events of the 
country, which are all-powerful in their effect. I 
have lived through three periods of great national 
and universal embarrasment, that of 1817, 1837 
and 1857, besides the many minor embarrasments 
the country has felt. . In each of these cases many 



36 THE author's business history. 

men who felt, and whom the people thought sound 
and wealthy, had to yield to the general pressure. 

My experience and observation leads me to ad- 
vise all business men, that when these pressures come 
not to make sacrifices of money to pay maturing 
debts, not to secure any one to the prejudice of 
other creditors ; but keep your means for the bene- 
fit of all creditors alike. Suspend, before making 
sacrifice. 

Many a good man has failed by paying shaves, 
and tying up his means by securing the more 
clamorous creditors, leaving themselves powerless 
to settle or compromise with other creditors. 



CHAPTER VL 

The Author' 8 Religious History. 

Having given a brief narrative of the leading in- 
cidents of my business career, I now give an 
equally brief relation of the leading and more im- 
portant movements and incidents of my religious 
experience. 

Under the term religious, I include motives, ob- 
ject, sentiment, faith and practice, — moral, politi- 
cal and pecuniary ; indeed all springs of action. 

My parents were religious people, members of 
the Congregational Church, good representatives 
of the Bible, my father of the Old, and my mother 
of the New Testament. Father's administration 
habits, were after the manner of Moses. Mother's 
after that of Christ's — attraction. Father remem- 
bered that oft quoted passage "spare the rod and 
spoil the child." 

Mother governed her children by the beautiful 
tender law of love. She was filled with loving 
active goodness. My father was a good man. 

At about four years of age I was taken with the 
other children to a neighbors, where there was a re- 



38 THE author's religious history. 

ligious meeting and many children of the neighbor- 
hood were baptised. One circumstance leads me 
to remember it. After one child was baptized, 
while the venerable old minister (whom I thought 
was God) was invoking a blessing, I ran up to him 
to be the next. 

My parents were rigidly consistent with the 
puritanic morality of New England. 

They brought up their children in the nurture 
and admonition of the Lord, as they understood it; 
especially was my dear mother a Godly woman, 
not only pious, but "pure, and of good report." 

In my formation, she gave me a religious nature, 
— in early life, religious instruction. I have never 
forgotton her hand upon my head, the prayers ut- 
tered, the blessings invoked, and consecrations 
of me, to God, to justice and truth, time and 
again. 

I can never forget her earnestness in teach- 
ing me of God, of His love, His goodness, and 
Christ's care for little children. In my twelfth 
year, she left earth for her heavenly inheritance. 

Not long before her departure, she stated to her 
family, her faith as to her coming life. She be- 
lieved that she should be a living conscious being 
in the Spirit- World, that she should still remem- 
ber, love, and visit her family. That she would 
know their sufferings, their joys and sorrows, and 
the thoughts of their hearts, and be able to admin- 
ister comfort to them. I have been conscious of 
her guardianship during my whole life, since her 
departure. 



THE AUTHOR'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 39 

Often when temptations beset me, and darkness 
shrouded me, have I felt her gentle, sweet, angelic 
monitions saying, " this is the way, walk ye in it," 
my child, and in obedience to them have I been 
blessed and happy. 

Every member of the family deeply felt the loss 
of the wife and mother. All felt stricken and he- 
re -lived. Our young family suffered a loss that 
could not be repaired. 

At about ten yeags of age, I heard a sermoa 
that my mind retains to this hour, from the text, 
u Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated." 

The preacher read the context, and deduced the 
doctrine of Calvin therefrom, to wit, that before 
the world was, God elected some to salvation, (a 
certain few that could not be increased or dimin- 
ished by any possibility), and doomed all the re- 
mainder to everlasting suffering in eternal fire, 
with the Devil and his Angels, without respect to 
anything they had done, or could do, and this to 
manifest His power and glory. 

This sermon gave God so bad a character that 
my young mind could not accept it. 

My mother had taught me that God was love, 
and repeated to me many Bible passages of the 
same import. I could not conceive that a just 
God, a God of love, all love should create a race of 
conscious beings to suffer in eternal burning, with- 
out abatment or hope., just to show Mts power, or 
how He could manifest His glory by such an act. 

There probably is not one in a thousand that will 



40 THE author's religious history, 

read this book, that knows that this is the doctrine. 
The Westminster Chatechism, and Presbyterian 
articles of faith, that the New and Old School 
Presbyterians adopted as their faith, in coming to- 
gether as one body in the year 1869. 

Probably not one in ten, of the members 
know that this is the basis doctrine of their church, 
or that their minister before he could be ordained, 
had to affirm to this " doctrine of Devils" — the con- 
ception of tyrants — and never the doctrine of the 
Bible. 

When Methodism was introduced, I remember 
well the excitement in that vicinity. 

The Congregationalists regarded it a fatal her- 
esy, and opposed it accordingly. Meantime a sect 
grew up under the auspices of Elias Smith, calling 
themselves " Christ-ians." This doctrine was new, 
and was preached and sustaned with ability. The 
Adventists of this day, are a product of that sect 
They were not specially opposed. 

Meanwhile the Universalists made their advent, 
proposing to save all mankind. It was all Heav- 
en — no Hell. Against this doctrine all other sects 
were united in their opposition. It would never 
do for Grod to save all mankind ! 

I am inclined to repeat, and show the doctrines 
of all these sects as understood there. 

The Congregationalists were Calvinists, holding 
the doctrines of the sermon just referred to, uncon- 
ditional election and reprobation, irrespective of 
works. 



THE AUTHOR'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 41 

Methodism proposed to save all that would ac- 
cept Christ's atonement and live good lives ; the 
rest to suffer eternal burning. - 

The Christ-ians proposed to save all that would 
comply with certain conditions, and annihilate the 
rest forever, burning up "root and branch." 

The Universalist's doctrine saves every human 
being. In this attitude each church or sect, raised 
their banners, inviting the world to the embrace of 
their faith, and the fellowship of their church. 
To join the Congregational Church was saying, 
I am one of the " elect." 

To join the Universalists, was saying, God will 
take care of his offspring. 

Joining either of the others, was saying, we will 
try. Such was the presentation of sectarian reli- 
gion to the people in New England sixty and sev- 
enty years ago. 

Our family was forbidden at first, to attend the 
Methodist meetings. An appointment of preaching 
in a barn near us, attracted me to it. I feared my 
father's displeasure. I watched the preacher in- 
tently to catch something heretical to repeat to my 
father, thinking that it would divert him from my 
disobedience. Happily for me he never referred 
to it. 

All these religious sects increased for the time, 
those that were opposed most, grew the fast- 
est. 

The Methodists have now absorbed the Congre- 
gationalists, and their house of worship in the 



42 THE author's religious history. 

town where I lived, and more or less in adjoining 
towns. 

I was young when these things were transpiring, 
with little opportunity of gaining general knowl- 
edge, — was a simple farmer boy. As far as possible I 
became acquainted with the religious sects here des- 
cribed. I respected them all, and especially th« 
one to which my parents belonged. 



CHAPTER VII. 

In 1817 I settled in what is now Syracuse. N. 
Y., and not until ten years passed had I any ser- 
ious religious impressions. In the winter of 1827, 
I lived on my ferm, three miles north of Syracuse. 
There was great excitement among the people. 
They had a protracted meeting in the village, and 
a great revival in progress. We were visited al- 
most daily by some minister or religious person 
calling our attention to the subject of our soul's 
salvation. 

These extraordinary efforts impressed us solemn- 
ly, and the result was, I experienced a spiritual 
birth. What I understood Christ meant in his 
saying to Nicodemus " the wind bloweth where it 
listeth, the son of man heareth the sound thereof, 
but canst not tell whence it cometh, or whither it 
goeth, so is every one that is born of the spirit." 

This I realized then, and do now. I felt then 
as now, the great truth of a spiritual birth 



THE AUTHOE'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 43 

Meantime my wife had a similar experience. 

Now, each of the different churches that had in- 
terested themselves in us, sent their articles of faith 
for our consideration, but to their credit not a word 
ol persuasion or proselyting was uttered by any 
one. 

My study of the Bible was constant and search- 
ing. It was for spiritual truths, the knowledge of 
God's laws, His ways, and of a future life. I was 
hungry for spiritual food. I did not study doc- 
trinal points at all. I was attracted to the Presby- 
terian Church rather by reason of my social rela- 
tions, than otherwise. After a few months examin- 
ation and reflection, we joined that Church, which 
is now in the first ward of Syracuse. 

In 1826, a pamphlet was handed me containing 
a lecture on temperance, stating how fearfully 
the use of spirituous liquors were increasing, and 
its havoc in making drunkards. This was the firsl 
movement in the great temperance effort thai 
spread through the country. 

At that time I became interested in the cause, 
signed the total abstinence pledge, and with 
others formed a temperance society, the first in 
that vicinity. 

This was the year previous to my religious exer- 
cise, when I joined the church. The total absti- 
nence pledge then taken, I have never violated. 

It was not popular with the religious people or 
the clergy at first, they stood aloof from it, but in 
time came strongly into its support. 



44 THE author's rei,i<*ious history. 

In 1832 we moved to " Richmond," Ohio, at the 
harbor of Fairport. Being the owner 01 the land 
and that embrio village, I felt a solemn responsibility 
regarding the settlement, its religion and morals. 
My religious and temperance principles over-riding 
all other considerations. 

I refused to sell or lease lots to any person to 
sell liquor on, and inserted a prohibitory clause in 
all titles given to lots sold,-^-criticising every man's 
principles that proposed to settle there. Determin- 
ed to protect my family and others from the con- 
taminating influence of intemperance and profan- 
ity. My rules were very rigid and positive, never- 
theless, they were popular in the religious com- 
munity. They attracted such as I desired, and re- 
pelled those I did not. 

The first year I built a large school-house, which 
served our purpose for religious meetings for a 
time, all parties using it. 

The second year we formed a Presbyterian 
Church, with eleven members. I was chosen El- 
der, and George Everett Deacon. 

Clergymen of all denominations visited and 
preached to us occasionally, making my house 
their home. Soon, Methodist, Baptist and Epis- 
copal Churches were formed, all having preaching 
more or less of the time. 

At the first, we arranged a Sabbath-school, Mr. 
Everett being superintendent. We organized a Bi- 
ble Class, I was chosen teacher. The rules of our 
class was, that no commentary should be used in 



THE AUTHOR'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 45 

the study of the Bible. The members were limited 
by this rule to their own resources. Nearly all 
the adults became members of the class. 

Our Bible studies were very rigid, continuing a 
subject from week to week, until thoroughly inves- 
tigated. 

The subject of King Saul and the Woman of 
Endor (called the Witch of Endor), was under ex- 
amination for several weeks increasing in interest 
at each meeting, and at the last, there was no 
house large enough to hold the people ; it was held 
in the spacious saloon of a steamer that was laid 
up in the harbor. 

This Bible Class pursued the closest study of 
the Jews, their origin, nationality and life. This 
more than any previous, experience established my 
political sentiment. 

It taught me that God governed nations. When 
the Jews obeyed His commands, they prospered. 
When they disobeyed, they went into captivity and 
suffering. I learned that it was as important for 
a nation to do right — be just, as for an individual. 

This study led me to see, and feel more clearly 
our nation's guilt in sustaining slavery. From 
this time I looked for a retribution from God's 
hand upon this guilty nation. 

Nearly all the population became members of 
some of the churches. 

The village was famed for its religious and mor- 
al principles. 

In the absence of preaching we kept up our 



46 THE author's religious history. 

Sunday meetings. I usually conducted them by 
reading sermons or other religious matter that was 
found instructive and agreeable. The people were 
all very Catholic in their feelings, worshipping to- 
gether, in harmony. 

The fourth year, the congregation having out- 
grown our house of worship, I sought to raise 
money from it, to build one for all parties. 

This plan was not acceptable and was given up. 
Then with my own means, I built a church of 
good dimensions, and finish, for the use of the 
Presbyterian Church. The society employed the 
Rev. Mr. Fitch, to preach to us. Our new church 
was well filled by earnest hearers. On extraordi- 
nary occasions I lent it to our neighbor chur- 
ches. 

One occasion of this kind offended our minister, 
which he never fully overlooked in me. The 
Methodists desired it for an important occasion on 
a Sunday, and not being able to consult the minis- 
ter, I let them have it. Feeling that my rela- 
tions to them, as well as my good feeling, demand- 
ed it. I owned it, and let the Presbyterians have 
it, and why not the Methodists ? 

Although there were four churches, there was 
no sectarian antagonism. A wonderful harmony 
prevailed. The religious paople enjoyed a growth 
in christian graces seldom experienced. They 
were happy and cheerful. 

When I meet any of them now, they are sure to 
refer to their enjoyment while living in Richmond, 



THE AUTHOR'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 47 

as being the happiest of their lives. The Catholic 
spirit prevailing there, drew the people together in 
social relations, destroying the spirit of strife. 

About 1835, Rev. Albert Barnes, a Presby- 
terian minister of Philadelphia, author of Barnes* 
Notes, preached a sermon denying that the 
posterity of Adam were personally guilty of 
his sins, but admitting that they inherited Adam's 
nature, and as a consequence became sinners by 
reason of the sinful nature of the parents. 

Rev. Professor Judkin took exceptions to the 
doctrine, and complained to the Synod of Philadel- 
phia. (I write from recollection.) 

The case was appealed from this tribunal to the 
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of 
the United States, to sit in Pittsburg, Pa., in May, 
1836. Mr. Fitch our minister, and myself, were 
appointed by our Presbytery to represent it in that 
High Ecclesiastical Court. The Assembly was full, 
and great interest was felt. Dr. Judkin the prose- 
cuting party, said in his complaint and charge, 
that if Dr. Barnes' doctrine was true, it destroyed 
all his hopes of salvation. The trial lasted several 
days, and was closely contested. It was decided by 
a vote of that body, acquiring Albert Barnes of 
preaching heretical, or unsound doctrines. I voted 
for the acquital of Mr. Barnes. 

The following year, the General Assembly of 
the Presbyterian Church at its annual session had 
a majority of Old School, or of Dr. Judkins' party, 
and they voted a separation, or rather excluded 



48 THE author's religious history. 

from their body all the New School, or the party 
sustaining Mr. Barnes. These bodies called the 
Old and New School, remained separate, each 
having its own organizations and meetings. 
They remained so, until the year 1869, when they 
again united, adopting as the doctrine of the 
Church, what is commonly known as the Westmin- 
Oateehism and Paesbyterian articles of faith. 

Slavery was the real cause of their separation, 
— its destruction — their reunion. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

When I moved to Cleveland in 1840, I joined 
Dr. Aiken's Church, (New School.) This church 
was very large, and the next year a colony went 
out from it and formed the second church. This 
society employed Rev. Mr. Canfield, pastor. I was 
one of the colony, and remained in the church un- 
til I moved to Chicago in 1847. From my earli- 
est apprehension of truth and right, I hated injus- 
tice, especially in the character of oppression or ex- 
tortion, which hatred grew with my growth, and 
strengthened with my years. 

In 1831-2, the public and religious mind was 
aroused upon the subject of slavery in our country, 
and its great crimieality. I learned that the 
"American Colonization Society" which was pat- 
ronized throughout the North as an institution op- 
posed to slavery, was really in its interests. 



THE AUTHOR'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 49 

That its object was to protect slavery by remov- 
ing and colonizing free negroes who disturbed the 
quiet of the slave. I became an abolitionist as 
necessarily and promptly as the mercury rises in 
the thermometer in heated air. My religion com- 
pelled me to denounce slavery and the coloniza- 
tion society, and to advocate the abolition of that 
"sum of all villainies." What seemed to me 
should be the sentiment of every Christian and up- 
right man, was not. Hence, to my astonishment, 
I found the church and people ready to crucify abo- 
litionism, and they did mob, egg, stone and abuse the 
advocates of justice between the negro and his mas- 
ter. I hope American History will do justice to 
the shame and degradation of American Chris- 
tianity and the people's sense of justice. I charg- 
ed then, and now charge American religion with 
the crime of American Slavery. My judgment 
was, and now is, that had the American Church at 
any time, in more than two centuries of its life, 
unitedly set its seal of condemnation upon it as a 
sin, and turned the religious influence against it, 
twenty years would have peacefully emancipated 
every slave in America. 

But instead of this, more than half of the 
American Church defended it as a Divine institu- 
tion, pleasing to God, and a large portion of the 
remainder apologized for it. American Slavery in 
all religious aspects sat in Moses' seat. Each 
General Assemby of the Presbyterian Church, was 
very careful to distribute positions equally to slave- 



50 THE author's religious history. 

holders and others. Careful to appoint a slave- 
holder to administer either the bread or wine at 
the Lord's Supper, — tender of her as of youth- 
ful innocence. In the church — my office — my 
business and in my politics, I labored against 
slavery and in favor of abolition, for many years. 

But no efficient decided action was taken by the 
embodied New School Church against it, while the 
Old School sustained it with all its power. 

On coming to Chicago in 1847, I brought let- 
ters from the church at Cleveland for myself and 
wife. She joined the Second Presbyterian, Dr. 
Patterson's church. I declined. I was visited by 
Dr. Patterson and by the elders of the church, in- 
vited and urged to join it, but 1 could not do it. 
The reasons in my own conscience, and those I 
gave those good friends were the complicity of the 
church with slavery, giving it countenance sinfully, 
by communion and fellowship with it, while con- 
demning it in weak and wordy resolutions. Un- 
der thesz circumstances my conscience became posi- 
tive, and my judgment and heart responded. 

I could not believe that God approved it, or that 
the Bible sustained it. I could not see how one 
could do by others as he would like to be done by, 
and hold a man a slave. To me it was overwhelm- 
ingly unchristian to make man — property. If 
slavery was right then the negro might own his 
master or me in other circumstances. I hated 
slavery with a perfect hatred. 



THE AUTHOR'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 51 

Subseququently, I wrote to the church session 
in Cleveland, that in justice to it and myself, I 
felt bound to advise it of my course, knowing that 
the rules of the church held me as a member, re- 
sponsible, until I joined another. That death, or 
some violation of its rules, were the only means of 
my discharge. Therefore, that I might not cum- 
ber it, or its rules, I s ated the course I had pur- 
sued and the cause of it. That in view of which 
the session could do with me whatever seemed 
proper under these circumstances. 

Nevertheless, I continued to attend Dr. Patter- 
son's church, observed religious duties and privi- 
leges as formerly. My faith, hopes and aspira- 
tions remained unchanged for the time. 



CHAPTER IX. 

In the winter of 1848, what was then termed 
the mysterious rapping near Rochester, N. Y., oc- 
curred. I heard reports of their movements in 
what they called spirit com iiunications, at first 
with indifference, then growing hostile, for a time 
opposing it. At length my daug 'iter-in-law Carrie, 
boarding with us, was developed as a medium. 
We respected and loved each other. After many 
solicitations on her part, and seeing the small 
stand move about the floor, and writing through 
her hand, my curiosity was awakened occasionally 
to look at the movements. I had felt and said that 



52 THE author's religious history. 

"I have an established religious faith touching fu- 
ture life. I have no confidence in these manifes- 
tations although I cannot account for them. I 
choose to rest in my present faith undisturbed." 
Notwithstanding, she would offer something every 
opportunity, and occasionally very impressive phe- 
nomena. In the spring of 1854 she visited her 
parents in Buffalo. Soon after this on my way to 
New York, I called upon her at her father's. 
Carrie proposed to show me some manifestations. 
I declined, and as I left, I felt that I had been ab- 
rupt in my reply, and turned back, thinking that 
I would silence her, by imposing a condition that 
would baffle her. I said, Carrie, if there is any 
spirit that can convince me that they can come 
and manifest themselves, Mrs. Chester is the one. 
Gret her spirit to come and I will attend to her ; 
supposing this impossible, and that her failure 
would end her importunities. 

(Mrs. Chester was sister to the late Dean Rich- 
mond.) I had known her from infancy, through 
a life of severe experience, had been her advisor 
and confident. She was a person of talent and 
force. 

Returning at evening to tea, Carrie met me 
playfully, and said, "father I have agreed with 
Mrs. Chester's spirit, to meet us at Mrs. Baker's 
this evening ; she is my sister, and a better medium 
than I am." 

After tea, Carrie, her mother and myself went 
to Mrs. Baker's. Sitting in a long parlor, Mrs 



THE AUTHOR'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 53 

Baker brought a light stand, and sat down before 
me, placing her hand upon it. Immediately the 
stand rose up and tumbled itself on two legs into 
my la^p. Said I to Mrs. Baker you have managed 
that stand very adroitly, in getting it up here, and 
I not see how y^u did it. Instantly the stand walked 
off some fifteen feev so I could observe everything 
done, and rolled and Wppled round with only Mrs. 
Bakers one hand on n. and often it would 
rock away from that hand. This seemed to say to 
me, look and see if Mrs. Baker foes this with her 
hands. Then the stand walked uj> to within a 
yard of me and stood still. Mrs. Bak^r sa ys to 
me, ask questions ; the stand will give thr&e move- 
ments or tips for yes, one _for no, and two -when 
neither yes or no, will correctly answer the ques- 
tions* For the moment I sat confounded, under 
the reflection that possibly the immortal spirit of 
that dear friend was present, prepared to respond 
to me from the eternal world. For a few mo- 
ments there was not a question in my brain, nor a 
word on my tongue to utter. At length recover- 
ing myself, I began questioning of our childhood, 
our school days in Vermont, and brought 
in our religious experience, joining the church 
at that time. More than forty years experience 
was included, extending my questions as far 
as possible, and so that yes or no would give an 
intelligent answer. I spent two hours with no 
other word spoken than my questions. So far as 
I knew the facts, the answers, every one, were cor- 



54 THE author's religious history. 

rect, and from this fact, I presumed that all were. 
When I had done, I had no more doubt that the 
spirit — the intelligence of Mrs. Chester had re- 
sponded to my questions than I had of my exi<\' c _ 
ence, nor have I since. I believed then, a" ii( j now 
believe, that God appointed this m*\ ans f or m y 

<convertion. That He sends angp\ messengers to 
men, to do his will and execute h} s purpose. 

This was an important an( j a pi vo tal moment 
with me. An hour destined in its results to 
change my whole ltf ie . / could not help believing. 
I was convinced throughout my whole inner nature. 
All my faculties were captured. I saw that the 
veil that separated this from spirit life, was rent in 
twain, and through the opening we meet departed 

"jrpir its face to face. That instead of the theories 
t>'f spirit life gathered from tradition and the 
Bible, we might now have the facts, the actual 
life experience of disembodied spirits, with nearly 
the same facility that we could learn life in France 
or Germany. Here I halted, I hesitated, I won- 
dered in amazement. The seal was broken, the 
book was opened to me. 

I feared error and delusion above all things. I 
thought of the wiles of Satan, and the many war- 
nings of the Bible, again I would review this ex- 
perience, always finding in it conviction and con- 
firmation of the fact. I had no power to disbe- 
lieve, conviction was rivited in my soul. In this 
condition I endeavored to strip myself of every 
preconcieved opinion. I called to my aid the bi- 



THE AUTHOR'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 55 

ble teachings for obtaining truth, and guidance. 
I was as honest as Daniel and sought the truth in 
the same way, by prayer and suplication; and as 
to him, so the light came to my mind ; the ans- 
wers came in the same way, and I came into the 
rest of faith in due time, without wavering. 

The next desire after getting over this struggle, 
was to learn of the life of spirits, and that state oj 
existence. 

One evening in May 1855, I came home from 
business and to my astonishment, Carrie was en- 
tranced and the spirit talking through her to a 
sick son. I sat down near by her ; she turned to 
me with face and expression radiant and shiring, 
and commenced conversation with me. The voice 
was sweet and gentle — intonations kind and lov- 
ing. The spirit purported to be a female ; she re- 
viewed my religious ideas and habits of judging 
others, my lack of considerate charity for those 
thinking and believing differently from myself. 

In my whole life, I was never so rebuked, chas- 
tened aud subdued as under her gentle exposition 
of my faults, and never so profited by teaching. 

She said at the close, " When you come to the 
spirit world, I shall be your companion, and will 
be with you while you remain here, as your guide 
and support." I think she has been, and is with me 
as I write this experience. I named her, " Venus," 
and this fifteen years we have been friends and fa- 
miliar companions. I recogn.'ze her presence most 
clearly. This was the first time that Carrie was en- 



56 THE author's religious history. 

tranced, of cource the first time she ever spoke 
under entrancement. It was the first time that I 
ever saw an entranced medium speak, and it was 
the first time Yenus had ever used a medium to 
communicate to mortals. For these years we have 
carried on a correspondence through Dr. Farns- 
worth a writing medium by which I have gained 
great light. 

Carrie having developed into a trance medium, 
we had sittings for development, manifestations 
and teachings. We had now reached 1856 ; early 
this spring at a sitting, a spirit spoke most beauti- 
fully through Carrie to us ; at the close, she turned 
to me and in a kind tone of voice, asked me to 
form a permanent circle in my house with my fam- 
ily, and any of our neighbors having good inten- 
tions, as desired to be with us. The spirit told us 
that he would preside at our circles. In reply to 
my inquiry for his name, he said it was truth he 
wished to communicate, and chose to give it for its 
own sake and upon its own merit, without the influ- 
ence of a name, but at some future time would 
give it. 

Then we commenced a circle, sitting once each 
week, and after a few months, they were so interest- 
ing we held the circles twice a week. 

After some few months Carrie went to Buffalo 
to visit her parents again. After an evening of 
very brilliant action as amedium, reetired to rest 
at about eleven o'clock and never awoke to cons- 
ciousness in the form ; all signs of physical life dis- 






THE AUTHOR'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 57 

appeared about eleven A M next day; physicians 
said she died with disease of the heart. 

Our circles at home were continued for more 
than a year. Soon after Carrie passed away, Mrs. 
Tipple was sent us from Rome N. Y. by the invis- 
ible powers. 

Some six months or more after we commenced 
our circles,the controlling spirit announced his name 
John Quincey Adams. I fully believed it was 
him ; the sentiment and management of the spirit 
side of the circle indicated a person of ability and 
experience. We enjoyed these sittings exceed- 
ingly, through this more perfected medium. A 
great variety of manifestations were given, various 
and many conditions of spirit life were exibited — 
physical mental and spiritual, from the exalted and 
happy, down to the low degraded ones,in the dark- 
ness of ignorance, and those suffering in the hell of 
sin ; Mr. Adams giving explanations and significa- 
tions of the movements. He seemed to aim to give 
us all information possible, both by langugae, ill- 
ustrative of physical manifestations, and tableaus. 
Every effort seemed made to impart knowledge to 
the circle. 

Up to this time Mr. Adams apparently had only 
sought to convince the circle of the great fact that 
the spirit of man continued to live through the sep- 
aration of the soul from the mortal, and retain all 
the faculties posessed in human life. And further 
to establish the fact, that under favorable circum- 
stances they could communicate to us. 



56 THE AUTHOR'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 

He had carefully avoided touching church doc- 
rines, until he had secured every faculty of my 
mind to unwavering belief so far. 

One evening I invited in some presbyterians to 
see and hear. Mr. Adams took occasion to at- 
tack and demolish the whole system of ortho- 
doxy, and the plan of salvation as preached 
by the clergy. I was exceedingly mortified that 
he should take that occasion when these friends 
were present, to attack their faith and mine ; for 
the first time I reproved him for so doing as un- 
kind. However, I said to him, if our faith is wrong, 
please give us the truth as you find it practically 
revealed in the world of spirits. He replied, that 
the next Friday evening he would commence, and 
continue on Friday evenings until he had given us 
a system of truth as uuderstood in spirit life. 

This he did to the satisfaction of the circle ; but 
our presbyterian brothers did not attend to hear it. 
Up to this time I had never investigated theology 
closely for the Bible evidences of the various 
creeds, and doctrines held by the different church- 
es. I had sought only to live a christian life, and 
do a chaistian's duty. I inherited my religious 
system of faith from my parents ; they taught me 
practical religion in my childhood. I accepted 
their faith as I should their farm — without ques- 
tioning their title. 

An ever-present fear of embracing error led me 
to the closest xamination of the teachings of Mr. 
Adams and also of the Bible. I confess for a time 



THE AUTHOR'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 59 

I was in a great strait. I had a severe struggle 
over this subject. I was "betwixt two" ; an old 
conceded doctrine, supposed to be taught in the 
bible — believed by nearly all who claimed to be 
christians, and was venerable in age. On the other 
hand was the spirit of that true, venerable patriot 
and practical christian John Quincey Adams, many 
years experience in spirit life, dwelling in light 
ineffable. Old belief and sentiment asserted one 
class of facts as truth ; — the spirit of an old well 
known high-minded man comes direct from the 
Divine effulgence and states an opposite. 

There was nothing left for me but to clear my 
mind from all choice and influence, and again seek 
truth from God, the only source, as Daniel did. 

With the most ardent desire for eternal truth, I 
gave all my faculties and powers to its acquisition. 
I could do no more; my soul was soon satisfied, 
and faith came by hearing. In my inner soul 
the still small voice established belief. This was 
not of choice. I had no other desire than to ob- 
tain the exact truth. It established itself within 
my susceptible nature. When the soul seeks truth, 
and makes itself receptive, it comes as a necessity ; 
-God is pledged for it. And "when you ask bread, 
will he give you a stone ? When you ask a fish will 
he give you a serpent?" 

Not only in these circles, but in every way pos- 
sible, I sought to test the truth of spirit manifesta- 
tions, — for occasionally a cloud would envelope me 
It seemed so wonderful that the supposed dead 



60 THE author's religious history. 

should talk to us. Whenever I came in company 
with a medium, my spirit friends would take occa- 
sion to communicate some test and confirmation of 
its truth. I believe that some spirit guardian was 
always with me. 

During the winter of 1857, while confined by 
sickness, a spirit claiming to have been a German 
Protestant minister, visited me in my room frequent- 
ly, through the medium Mrs. Tipple, and gave me 
much satisfaction as to truth and practical spirit 
life. He then, twelve years since, told me that I 
would be the author and publisher of a book that 
would be translated and published in many other 
languages, of precisely the character of one I am 
now preparing for the press. 

My life had been an active, practical, business 
life, without any thought or pretentions to litera- 
ture or authorship. I was faithless of this prophe- 
cy. Through him and others, almost the entire 
acts and career of my subsequent life was foretold 
to me. This German minister was very intelligent 
and interesting. I talked with him r, equently and 
familiarly as I do with a friend. I told him if it 
was designed by spirits to develope me as a medi- 
um,! preferred unconscious entrancement. He says, 
in substance, a No, that is not the design. You 
are a man of business experience ; you have been 
many years upon these lakes ; you are known as a 
business man, almost from the ocean to the Rocky 
Mountains. This experience and acquaintance ren- 
der you of great value to the cause. You are be- 



9 
THE AUTHOR'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 61 

ing developed for use in your apparent normal con- 
dition." 

I was constantly, in season and out of season, in 
search of truth, of light, and facts touching the 
spirit-world and life therein. "He that seeks shall 
find!" 

In the summer of 1857, I met with the then lead- 
ing, and very prominent medium in Boston, John 
M. Spear. When introduced to him,he held my hand 
and, while entranced, delineated my character per- 
fectly. I spent the summer in New England, and 
much of the time in my sister's family, who were 
Methodists, but soon became Spiritualists under 
the evidences and manifestations produced there. 

There was a few substantial, active Spiritualists 
in the vicinity, and surrounding towns, but in this 
town there was little knowledge of it, and that was 
the scurrilous and false reports circulated by ig- 
norance and enmity. 

My enthusiasm on the subject, awakened much 
interest. The people being aroused, got up meet- 
ings, and something of a revival ensued. Many 
persons with strong prejudices, yielded them when 
they fully understood what Spiritualism was, and 
accepted the doctrine as truth. A great change of 
sentiment followed the spread and explanation of 
this new sentiment. 

There is nothing so difficult to deal with as ig- 
norance. It is the home and source of prejudice. 
The knowledge the ignorant lack, is supplied by 
prejudice and bigotry. This otherwise intelligent 



62 THE author's religious history. 

people, were ignorant of true Spiritualism, conse- 
quently deeply prejudiced against it. 

Late in the fall of 1858, through the hand of Mr. 
Spear, I was invited with several other persons, to 
meet in Boston on the first day of Jan., 1859, by 
the Spirit Congress, for the purpose of devising a 
plan whereby the consumers of the East and West 
might retrieve themselves from the horde of specu- 
lators that taxed their supplies by large profits of 
trade. 

The parties met. A tangible plan was formed, 
simple and easy, which was for each town and city 
east, who consumed western products, to associate 
and organize, — make up a capital sufficient, — ap- 
point their man to manage it at home, — then all the 
towns unite in one agent at Chicago to purchase, 
and ship direct to each location whence such body 
was formed, thus saving a large per cent, that spec- 
ulators made by the ordinary course of trade. The 
agent at Chicago by controlling so large a trade, 
would be able to buy supplies in market, and ship 
them d'rect to the consumer at the lowest possible 
rates, and for a very small commission ; and, also, 
to ultimately apply the same rule to a returning 
trade from the East to the West. 

The plan was never actualized. Money was 
scarce, and persons in the towns and cities were 
distrustful of success, fearful of agencies, and un- 
willing to get into joint responsibilities. The in- 
vited persons remained in Boston during the win- 
ter. I was there about ten weeks, — long enough 



TIIE AUTHOR'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 63 

to learn that the plan could not be executed. It 
was, however, a winter of value to me, — of^ devel- 
opment, of tests and experience. 

After my return from Boston in the spring of 
1859, I met a medium, and sitting by a stand with 
her, and entirely vacant as to any expectations of 
a visit from spirits, loud and bold rapping came 
upon the stand immediately. I called the alpha- 
bet and the spirit gave his name, "Benjamin Frank- 
lin." I interrogated him until satisfied it was Frank- 
lin, the early printer and philosopher of Philadel- 
phia, of Revolutionary time, the man who first 
brought electricity under human control. I asked 
him if he wished to comumnicate to me . He rap- 
ped "yes." Calling the alphabet again, he spell- 
ed out clear and distinct the following : "If you 
will disregard all communications from promiscu- 
ous spirits, and confine yourself to my instructions 
and guidance, I will lead you right, and give you 
the light and truth you so much need." I replied 
to him that I had read his history, and admired 
the man ; that he was my superior ; that he had 
been many years in spirit life, and must have be- 
come quite familiar with it, and its laws, of which 
I am anxious to know. I have confidence in you 
and think you will be a safe guardian and instruc- 
tor to me. I will accept you as a guide, and be 
obedient to your directions...' Now upon the fol- 
lowing conditions, in me you shall have a true and 
faithful instrument, subject to your well-authen- 
ticated instructions : 



64 THE author's religious history. 

First, you must convince me that you are the com- 
municating spirit ; 

Second, that I not only understand, but compre- 
hend your messages: 

Third, that you name a medium that you can com- 
municate the exact truth through, and to whom I 
shall resort for testing you, so I may not be deceiv- 
ed. This being done, you may rely upon me. He 
named "Miss Hoyt," then a test medium in Chi- 
cago, to consult until further advised. Soon after 
Dr. L. L. Farnsworth, a writing medium, was ap- 
pointed the instrument of communication from Dr. 
Franklin to me. 

Thus Dr. Franklin's spirit and myself entered 
into an arrangement ; one that I have kept to the 
letter, and I believe he has. 

He did not name, nor did I think of any person- 
al services to be performed. I only thought of the 
watchful care, and the true and good teachings 1 
would receive fr. m his great mind and vast experi- 
ence in this life, and more than seventy years in 
the heavens. I have been as true to my mission as 
Abraham, Moses, prophet or apostle have been to 
their ; as will appear from subsequent life and 
results. 

Dr. Franklin has assured me frequently, that 
nothing would be required of me but what my head 
and heart would approve of, and delight in. He 
also told me to have no fears about my finances, 
that they should be provided for. 

In his instruci'ons, he assured me that they were 



THE AUTHOR'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 65 

from the Divine Mind. I think the papers from 
him will sustain the declaration. 

This was not my first interview with him. "While 
in Vermont in 1857, and in Boston in 1859 espe- 
cially, were his visits and communications to me 
frequent. At other times Dr. Franklin has im- 
pressed his presence and thoughts upon me, and 
when available, and mediums were present, he 
would speak to me. I was quite familiar with him 
in this way for some years before this agreement 
was entered into. 

About this time, a Mrs. Merritt, a medium from 
Michigan, a stranger to myself and family, came 
to my house. She said she had a mission to me, 
and every morning under influence, she manipula- 
ted my right arm. She said it was to preserve and 
prepare it for a work that would be written through 
it, of more value to the world than any book now 
published. She remained about three weeks, mag- 
netizing it every morning. 

Whether this has had the influence or not, I can- 
not say, but my arm and hand are now as steady 
to write at seventy-four, as they were at thirty-four 
years of age. 

There was an eminent physician in Philadelphia 
in 1776, a member of the convention who signed 
the Declaration of Independence, "Benjamin Rush.' 
He was a man of force and ability, and is now an 
efficient spirit, pursuing the same profession. Me- 
diums, especially those engaged in healing, and 
many Spiritualists are quite familiar with him. In 



66 THE AUTHOR S RELIOIOUS HISTORY. 

the winter of 1860 he wrote to me that he had 
chemically examined my person, and discovered it 
badly charged with the seeds of disease, — that 
the thoracic duet was entirely closed, and the sys- 
tem loaded with diseased matter; and without im- 
mediate attention I would be prostrated. He di- 
rected me to take a tea spoonful of raw Alcohol 
mornings before eating, and on going to bed take 
as much as I dared, mixed to suit my taste, which 
I did. Five weeks later he gave another examin- 
ation, and wrote me that he found the diseased 
ducts greatly reduced, the closed duct cleared of 
its matter, but advised me to go to Salem, Mass., 
and take a course of Alcohol and fruit baths, which 
would be given under his directions, — Dr. Franklin 
approving of the same. I went and took seven 
baths on successive days. They were of heat and 
vapor issuing from burning Alcohol and various 
tropical fruits 

Those baths were given me in the morn ing in 
my room. My breakfast and meals throng h the 
day were of the most nutritious kind. I have ever 
felt that this treatment was of great value to my 
future health. 

The philosophy of it was this : The baths and 
sweating forced out the old disease and morbid 
magnetisms which had accumulated in the system 
and was effecting its secretions ; that the rich, fresh 
and nutritious food furnished a new and fresh sup- 
ply to take its place. Hence, in about seven baths 
the system would be cleansed of the old and sup- 
plied -with the new and more healthy substitutes. 



CHAPTER X. 

My life's experience has rendered me self-reli- 
ant in matters of business and sentiment. As the 
Bible directs. I have called "no man master," or 
"Lord." 

I admit no authority over my reason or con- 
science, but the Divine Mind ; neither wealth, 
fame or position commands my esteem when good- 
ness is wanting. In my mind, goodness in man 
alone constitutes greatness. Jesus Christ was great 
in goodness, so was Washington and Lincoln. 

Nevertheless goodness often excites intense hat- 
red. How the Jews hated Christ ! How the 
Southern people hated Lincoln ! Both were assas- 
sinated by hatred. 

When I became free from human bondage and 
sectarian faith, never investigated, and went to 
the Divine Fountain of truth, without respect to 
anything else, and committed my faith and ways 
to God, asking and trusting Him, light came ; pour- 
ing its rays upon the Bible revelations, nature's 
revelations, and an inner light came, surpassing al] 
light that I had ever received. 

The good old prophet Daniel taught me much. 
His earnest determination to gain knowledge and 
guidance from the invisible world ; his persevering 
n fasting aud prayer twenty-one days, and until 



68 THE AUTHOR'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 

"the appearance of a man came" and gave him the 
knowledge he desired,-visions, symbols and spirits 
were given him in reward of his determined perse- 
verance. His interest was so strong it drew to 
him the desired truth, and he accepted as truth 
what came, and proclaimed it. An honest-hearted 
man desiring and seeking for truth above all things, 
for its real worth, having no prepossessions, cannot 
control his faith, and ought not. 

Such a man in process of time, will find the truth 
built up within him as a natural result. GrodL is 
pledged for it. 

If suchr a man tries to believe in Methodism, 
Calvinism, or Spiritualism he is no longer honest 
to himself or true to his purpose. If honest he 
wants the exact truth, whether it proves either or 
neither of these doctrines. He accepts what comes 
to his inner soul. In his earnest search after truth, 
Daniel believed what the spirit said. He wrote it, 
and it is accepted by the church as a revelation 
from God. 

The churches use the same Bible. Each minis- 
ter reads it in view of his belief, and the creed of 
his church. They understand the same book and 
text differently. Why? Simply because their 
church doctrine is their standard of truth ! Now 
they cannot all be right ! and probably none of 
them are. 

Aspiration induces inspiration. Truth comes to 
the aspiring mind according to its development, di- 
rection, and the earnestness with which it is sought. 



CHAPT-bK Al. 

The communications from spirits that follow this 
chapter, are copied from the originals which I 
have. I have given a brief narrative in the pre- 
ceding chapters of a few of the leading events of 
my life, up to the commencement of these letters, 
and the experiences connected with them. 

They cover ten years, — beginning with the year 
1860, the election of Mr. Lincoln President, and 
closing with 1870, when the revolted states having 
returned to loyalty, and the Government is recon- 
structed. 

During these ten years, I have been a public 
medium. Of my mediumship and my acts as 
sujh, I have said but little in the preceding 
chapters, — prefering rather to let my labors as 
such be inferred from the communications made 
to me from time to time during these years. 

The communications which follow are such, 
and only such, as pertain to the war of the re- 
bellion alone, while they are but a small part of 
what I received during these ten years. 

"When the reader has fully perused all of these 
messages, and contemplates those not published, 
and realizes the fact that I have been obedient to 
every requirement therein made, he may judge 
somewhat of the labor I have performed. 



TO THE AUTHORS RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 

The past five years have been exclusively devot- 
ed to, and under the direction of the powers 
above. These messages have been my guide. 
I have obeyed them fully, — while I have felt free 
to go and come, as directed by Dr. Franklin. 
There has always been an irresistible pressure or 
power upon me to obey directions, which have 
been to me God's call, — His will, working in me, 
in the law of attraction. Yet sometimes, when hes- 
itating, as I have occasionally, St. Paul's expres- 
sion, "Woe be unto me if I preach not the gos- 
pel/' would come to me with great pungency, and 
determined my course. 

Under these directions and others, I have been 
fourteen times to New England, in the years in- 
cluding 1859 and 1869, beside going to many 
other places. I have also, attended four sessions 
of Congress since the close of the war, — during 
the period of Reconstruction, Amendments of the 
Constitution, and the adjustment of our Govern- 
ment. During the trial of President Johnson, — 
and also, the inauguration of President Grant, 
his cabinet and administration, I was specially 
called upon to be not only in Washington, but in 
specific places. During Johnson's trial, I was re- 
quired to be in the Senate Chamber. While Pres- 
ident Grant's administration was being organiz- 
ed and put in working order, I was directed to 
be at the White House, or in my room most of 
the time. 

By the same promptings, I have written scores 



THE AUTHOR'S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 71 

of letters to Presidents, Members of their Cabinet 
Members of Congress and Governors of States from 
time to time, pressing the principles of equality 
and justice being extended to the colored man, — 
some of which will appear in these pages. 

The careful reader of the following messages tc 
me will learn my mediumship and the use the pow- 
ers above have made of me, and why they have 
required faithful services on my part. 

I was not required to talk, or externally mani- 
fest. It was to think, to be a battery of brain, mind 
and thought through- which spirit minds could act 
on other men's brains, — transmit mind, thought 
and sentiment. Hence, I was required to be in 
the Chamber of the House, or Senate^ where, and 
while the reconstruction measures were being con- 
sidered, during the four sessions of Congress that 
I was directed to attend. 

Unless to some person who could comprehend 
my use, I never named my business in Washing- 
ton, — appearing only as a spectator of the scene. 

Senator' Wade accepted the idea of my mission. 
Senator Howard accepted the general idea of 
spirit influence and control, — and so did a large 
number of the Senators and Members of the 
House of Representatives, to whom I did not dis- 
close my mediumship. Occasionally some individ- 
ual understanding my mission, would wonder at 
my faith, remarking that they could not be so 
governed. One reply answered for all : "Very 
well, it is not for you, but it is for me." 



CHAPTER XII. 

Communications from the Inner Life, 
With Notes by the Author, 

This chapter contains the war communications 
from spirits to me. The following is the first one 
directly relating to the coming Rebellion. Al- 
though a rather indefinite prophecy at the time, 
it was, however, significant of coming events. 
It was written soon after Mr. Lincoln was nomi- 
nated for the Presidency, through the hand of 
John M. Spear, in Cleveland, Ohio, and sent to 
me at Chicago by mail. 

OF THE CRISIS. 

Cleveland, July, 1860 

Dear Sir: 

The present may be looked upon as 
a most perilous moment, — several things may be 
looked at. There may be internal darkness, as 
there has been an external eclipse; one connects 
with the other 

The political horizon is ominous of a season 
when parties will not know where to look, much 
less how to act. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 73 

Should the union split, as in a short time it may, 
all business will be at once deranged, and the 
wisest commercialists will be perplexed how to 
act. 

All Europe is in a most unsettled state, and the 
conditions of things there must soon affect and 
disturb the more solid stock markets of the Unit 
ed States. 

There is a general expectation in the public 
mind, that some marked events are at hand, and 
the more shrewd classes will feel that non-action 
is safer than action. 

The associated Spirit-world are acting in vari- 
ous ways to so unsettle, or disturb the public 
mind that a new and better state of things may 
come into life. 

You are now cautioned how you move at this 
present moment, and for the next few months. You 
will soon be informed of certain things of a nation- 
al character, which will much interest you, and 
you will clearly see how the New Jerusalem is 
to descend to earth, and bless the human kind. 
From your old friend, 

John Quincey Adams. 

In the fall of 1860, a few days after Mr. Lin- 
coln's first election, he came to Chicago. I felt 
impressed to call upon him at his rooms. I said 
to him, "Mr. Lincoln, you will be assassinated !" 
He replied, "What makes you think so?" I- 
said that the South was not satisfied with hia 



74 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

election ; and in the two instances before, that they 
were dissatisfied — Harrison aud Taylor, were both 
poisoned soon after taking their seats. I ad- 
vised him to be careful who he had about him, 
and who prepared his food. After a moment's re- 
flection, he said, "If they are determined to as- 
sassinate me, they will do it." His journey to 
Washington in the winter under disguise, (by time- 
ly warning given,) indicates the truth of a living 
intention to take his life, even before entering up- 
on the duties of his office, and the truth of my 
prophecy. 

Sunday, April 28th, 1861, a medium entranced 
in my house had this message given through her 
to me: 

"There is a most diabolical, hellish plot about 
to be acted upon, to kill Gen. Scott, and Lincoln. 
Life is in great jeopardy ! Jeff Davis is a black- 
hearted ruffian, and will stoop to any villiany. 
The Southern leaders will do the same ! 

A. JaeJcson." 

This was given by Gen. Jackson, Ex-President 
of the United States. 

Early in the spring of 1861, I was directed by 
Dr. Franklin to go to New England. In obedi- 
ence, I was in Manchester, N. H. in June, and at 
a private house where I was visiting, there was an 
excellent medium, Miss Barrett. On Sunday morn- 
ing, about 10 o'clock, she was entranced. Her 
spirit seemed to leave her and go to the Spirit 
Congress, then in session. She was made to kn,>w 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 75 



many of the spirits. The subject of the Rebellion 
was then under consideration, — and as one after 
another expressed their views, she repeated to me 
what each one said. 

Of the large number present, Washington, Ad- 
ams, Franklin, Jefferson, and Patrick Henry 
all spoke, in the most positive terms, that there 
could be no compromise or concessons. The cri- 
sis had come, and Slavery must be abolished ! 
She repeated the words after the speaker to me, 
but I made no note of them, I only recall some of 
the interview, and the positive manner of the speak- 
ers and the conclusion. 

In the same fall, I was again directed to go to 
Boston in December, which I did, and on the 21st, 
Dr. Franklin requested Mrs. Pamalee, Mrs. Lull 
and myself to form a circle at the house of Mr. 
Parmalee, that should be permanent. Accordingly, 
we formed "the circle of three. " This was done in 
the presence of a large concourse of spirits, sixty- 
four of which gave their names and desired a rec- 
ord made of them, which I now have. Several of 
the former statesmen of this country addressed us, 
and gave us the reason why the circle was wanted, 
and its use. It was said that we three persons 
had the elements when combined to make a power- 
ful battery for spirit use, and they expected to 
use this battery on the Administration. They di- 
rected that the circle meet every third Thurs lay, 
evening in a certain room in Mr. Parmalee's house. 
Mrs. Parmalee and Mrs. Lull were both mediums 



76 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

of control and clairvoyance. To my suggestion, 
that I could not be there at those meetings, that I 
should be in Chicago, Dr. Franklin said that they 
would dispense with my presence, but I must sit 
by myself at home, at a corresponding hour, fas- 
tening my mind upon the circle with all the interest 
and force I had. This I did. At the hours ap- 
pointed, Mrs. P. and Mrs. L. recognized my spirit 
present with them in the same manner, and as 
distinctly as they did disembodied spirits. 

At the formation of the circle, these ladies both 
saw the spirits and heard them give their names, 
and express the interest they felt in the circle. 
At each sitting a great number of spirits were 
present, — especially those present at its organiz- 
ation. 

In Boston I received the following communica- 
tion : 

June 9th, 1862. 

My .Friend : 

You are an instrument in the hands 
of a wise power, and soon you will realize the 
magnitude of your usefulness to the beings of 
earth. You are to meet with the circle at Mr. 
Parmalee's while here. Give it due attention. 
From that circle much good will come. When 
the conditions are more favorable, I will give you 
through this medium, the knowledge you desire. 
In this matter you have much to do, and it will 
be within your reach to not only benefit others, 
but to be of great service to mankind. 

Your guardian, B. Franklin, 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 77 

Early in August, 1862, I received the follow 
ing letters in one package, from Manchester, 
N. H., with a note from" Miss Barrett, saying they 
had been written through her hand, and that 
she was directed to send them to me. Each 
differed from the others in the hand writing, al- 
though there was some similarity. This medium- 
ship in her was not strictly and wholly mechan- 
ical, nor impressional. Both hand and brain were 
used to produce these letters. 

Thomas Richmond — 

My Bear Friend : 

You have 
set your heart on the acquisition of wisdom that 
cometh from above. You have sought also for a 
universal love that embraces all of God's hmmanity. 
You have not sought kingdoms, nor houses, nor 
office ; you crave only the chance of doing all the 
good you can to God's children. 

Now, for all these goods in thy soul the Father's 
good pleasure requires us to send you before the 
mighty ones of earth, to speak such words of 
wisdom as shall be given unto you. So much we 
reveal unto you to-day. The head of this nation 
is in perplexity and doubt. He has consulted 
many in the form and many spirits, — some of them 
he has followed. If he would go to his room alone, 
and listen to the voices now so anxious to speak to 
him, he would hear in his inmost soul, the voice of 
the Great Eternal, calling him to let the slave go 



78 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

free ; for I see from this plane of vision, that if he 
don't heed his ways, the whole country is under a" 
monarchial government. Let every one who tru- 
ly loves liberty and equal rights, exert himself 
in this cause. 

You, sir, are one that I look to in this great 
emergency, to carry out the principles that you 
profess. I ask you in the name o f Justice, Liber- 
ty and Truth, if you are ready to go forward as 
a second Daniel, to the Babalonian King, called 
the United States of America, whose President 
says he will stick to the Constitution, and is stick- 
ing to it, although it has one plague-spot upon it, 
which must be ruled out, or, by the Eternal, the 
United States, President and all, will be ruled out 
for many centuries to come ! 
Your Friend, 

A. Jackson. 

Manchester, July 30, 1862. 

My Bear Friend Richmond : 

Thee will see 
that we are anxious for thy co-operation in our 
grand plans, nearly ripened. The country needs 
true patriots. 

The time has come for thee to exert thyself for 
the cause of Freedom. Thee will be obliged to 
try thy mettle with the President. Thee knows 
already that much depends upon thee. Thou art 
preparing for thy work, and art now ready for 
some of it. We give thee warning, through a 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 79 

channel that is running thy brain and heart, that 
thou must follow orders. Thee will have much 
influence on his mind. He must follow his con- 
victions, or the whole power goes into other hands. 
He needs thy sympathy and presence, when a 
certain measure shall be brought before him tor 
consideration. Thee will feel modest, Friend 
Thomas, and somewhat doubtful, like thy old 
namesake, whether it is the Lord that sends thee. 
We say to thee, words of wisdom will be given, 
thee when the time comes to speak them. 

Thee must point him to the hand writing on the 
nation's wall. If he don't let Africa's children 
go free, it is a doomed nation ; — if he don't list- 
en to the Daniels that we have raised up to in- 
terpret the hand writing on the wall. 

Mighty events are just upon ye. Every indi- 
vidual must use all their will-power over the 
President and his Cabinet, and leading officers 14 
the Army. Wrongs in high places must be expos 
ed. We see in secret, but have no suitable chan- 
nel to speak through to the President. Many of 
the people think that some of the leaders are in- 
ncompetent. They are willing to fight for free- 
dom, but they want officers to lead them that are 
honest. There is too much selfishness in head- 
quarters, and it shall be exposed ! 

I have much more to say to thee, but will 
wait for another favorable time. 

I will help thee often in thy labors of love. 
Thy friend, 



80 MESSAGES -TO RICHMOND. 

July 29th, 1862. 
Vive la Libertie ! March on ! March on ! Let 
your souls be resolved on liberty or death. Tc 
arms ! To arms ! ye brave L 

Joan, of Arc. 

The sun of the nation's destiny will set in dark- 
ness if we cannot arouse the true friends of liber- 
ty ! March on ! March on, to the City of Wash- 
ington and do our bidding there! 

Josephine. 

Fair Sir : 

From my home in heaven, I come 
to the loved ones in the fcrm, — and strive to 
give you courage for the coming storm. Arise ! 
my beloved, arise ! You belong to the great and 
wise. Fear not the hangman's halter, nor the 
headsman's block. I am with you in the work 

for God and Liberty ! 

Mary, Queen of Sccti 

You must cross the Alps for liberty, — head and 

heart ! 

Le Umpereur, 

Napoleon. * 

In November, 1862, I received a letter- from 
Dr. Franklin's spirit, through the hand of Farns- 
worth, requesting me to be in Boston early in 
December. 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 81 

I received another near the same time, from 
John Quincey Adams's spirit, through John M. 
Spear's hand, requesting me to be in Boston by 
the 12th of December following. In obedience 
to these calls, I arrived there about the tenth day. 

On the 17th, Dr. Franklin gave me the follow- 
ing, and continued until the last day of the month* 

These messn <^es follow in their order : 

My Dear Friend: 

Conditions are more favorable 
for me to communicate to you than before. It 
is my wish that you should write to me every 
morning, as it assists me to communicate to you. 
I control this medium in such a manner that it is 
not possible for his mind or feelings to color 
the thoughts that I wish to convey to you. I 
have intimated to you before, that you are to be 
the means of doing much good to the beings of 
earth, and that your mental powers are to be used 
as the principal p^ent in developing a new phase 
of medium powers. 

I wish you to remain in Boston a week or two 
longer for the purpose of receiving spiritual influ- 
ences and communications. 

To-morrow morning I will give you another 
message throu h this medium. 
Your Guardian, 

B. Franklin, 



52 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

December 18th. 

According to promise I communicate to you 
this morning. It is my wish and intention that 
you should visit Washington at some day not 
far distant. The American people are now suf- 
fering lor their past sins* The present conflict 
which exists between the North and South could 
not be avoided; and in the eyes of Him who 
seeth all things, your civil war is but a just ret- 
ribution to the beings of your country. 

Spirits of power hold the destiny of your coun- 
try in their keeping. We can favor no party 
ieelings, — but must act justly by all. We must 
act in conjunction with our heavenly Father, in 
order to wield a protecting power over you. 

The object of the present war is being accom- 
plished ; , still, the people are to experience more 
intense suffering in order to bring about the de- 
sired result. 

You are to be used to confer with the leading 
magistrate, and dictate a plan which must be 
acted upon in order to bring about the highest good 
of the country. At the closing up of the civil 
war, you have, as an instrument in the hands of 
spirits, an important work to perform in bringing 
about a just settlement. 

My object in thus intimating this to you is that 
you may be prepared for the work and hour in 
view, and by this disclosure to you, it enables us 
to act upon your brain with more efficiency. You 
will bear in mind that epirits control your war to 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 83 

a great extent, and it is within our power of ac- 
tion to suspend hostilities when it is best 

Your past leading statesmen still hold a con- 
trolling influence over your people, — as when in 
the form. You will soon receive directions to go 
to Washington, and confer with the leading men 
of your Government. A plan will be given which 
you are to lay before them, and they will be in- 
fluenced to act upon it. Give yourself no uneas- 
iness in relation to your finances, as you will be 
amply provided for in every direction. 

It is my wish that you return home before you 
go to Washington. 

It will be some weeks, before you commence 
your labors with the government officials. I shall 
soon disclose to you the plan you are to act 
upon in order to bring about the desired result. 

I wish you to place your mind as much as 
possible upon the affairs of your country, as it 
will aid us in preparing you for your future 
labors. Franklin. 

December 22nd. 

The cause of your present national difficulty 
is what I wish to speak of this morning. 

If Slavery had never existed among your peo- 
ple, the present civil war would not have taken 
place. Consequently, Slavery must be entire- 
ly abolished before peace can be established be- 
tween the contending parties of your nation. 

Though in eradicating this poison from your 
people, it may be the means of nearly bringing 



84 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 

destruction to your government, — still it is a ne- 
cessity and it is God's will that it should be done, 
and other spirits of power with myself, are com- 
missioned by the Father of the Universe to re- 
move this curse and stain from your country 
that you may be the chosen people of God from 
amongst all the nations of the earth. 

It was through spirit influences and control 
that we possess over the beings of earth, that 
your present conflict was first agitated. We have 
maintained our control over the aiFairs of your 
country, and shall continue our supremacy un- 
til peace, harmony and right prevail. 

It may appear to you that so much sacrifice 
of human life might have been avoided. We 
were compelled to act upon the leading passions 
of the people, in order to bring about justice. 
We have more power in bringing about the de- 
sired result in causing your people to slay each 
other than by resorting to any other method. It 
is God's will, and His laws must be maintained. 
He waited sufficiently long to have the North 
and South abolish American Slavery. It could 
not be done by influencing the minds of the peo- 
ple to abolish it, by holding councils and dis- 
cussions. 

Your nation could not discover that justice and 
equality to all mankind was their due, — conse- 
quently the people must be compelled, and suffer 
for past wrongs. You have tasted but to a 
Blight extent the sufferings that will come upon 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 85 

your nation before the matter is fairly settled. 
There are to be severe battles and great destruc- 
tion of life, before the cause of your calamity is 
removed. You have been selected as one of the 
principal agents to confer with the chief magis- 
trate, to have a settled and fixed plan adopted 
for the North to act upon, by which peace will 
be ultimately restored, — and those who are true 
to God and his principles, will be carried through 
the trying ordeal, and be victorious in their 
efforts. 

The time has come to act more directly upon 
the leaders of your government. Your Presi- 
dent is impressible to spirit influences. He has 
been made to change his feelings in relation to the 
affairs of the country, as it was best that he 
should. But he will be made to maintain a firm 
position hereafter, through the agency of spirits 
acting directly upon him by means of yourself 
and others. To-morrow morning I will commu- 
nicate more concerning your country and your 
missioa. At present let your mind keep as cheer- 
ful and hopeful as possible, that I may accom- 
plish that which I intended before your visit to 
Boston. Your Guardian, 

Franklin. 
December 23rd. 

My Friend Richmond: 

The spirits that communicate to the beings of 
earth, especially those that took an active part in 



86 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

the American nation when they existed upon earth, 
and were leading minds of your country, are now 
directing all their influence to your national diffi- 
culties. Seemingly we are paying but little atten- 
tion to other matters for the present. 

The first labor that you will perform under 
spirit influence, and make manifest the power that 
we give you, will be in producing a change of 
action and feeling among the leading statesmen 
at Washington. 

Consider that this power which will be given 
you comes from God ; that He has selected you 
as an instrument to fulfil His promise to the 
people, and keep them from destruction. 

The treatment that the first settlers of your 
country exhibited to the natives, the Indian race, 
was not in accordance with justice. Your people 
allowed this feeling of tyranny to develop itself, 
until slavery was established, and now slavery 
would be the cause of exterminating the American 
nation, were it not for the action of God's power 
and mercy upon the people. 

I foresaw this national calamity when I first 
entered spirit life. I have been preparing for 
the crisis, and through God's goodness and wisdom 
am invested with power to guide your people 
through this distressing conflict. It is necessary 
that nearly all the national resources of your 
country must be resorted to, before our plan of 
bringing about a just settlement between the North 
and South is accepted by the Government, as we 



MESSAGES TO KICHMOND. 87 

wish the majority of the American people to 
realize the magnitude of spirit power — its eleva- 
ting tendencies upon mankind, and the happy 
results that will follow a true progressive life upon 
earth. When this object is attained, then we have 
supreme control of all organizations which now 
exist ; we can then exert our influence in all the 
departments of earth life, and raise mankind 
nearer the Divine light. Then the prevailing 
influences amongst you will be peace, harmony and 
justice, and you will become strong as a nation. 

I communicate this to you that you may per- 
ceive the real condition of your land, and com- 
prehend the only course to be pursued in bringing 
about this reformation, so that you will be pre- 
pared to set forth to those persons with whom you 
will soon hold audience, the bearings of the case 
in such a manner that the desired object will be 
obtained. 

I shall instruct you on all necessary points 
before you visit Washington, so that you may be 
invested with sufficient power to carry out our 
designs. I am also impressing you, preparing 
your mind for the results upon the leading poli- 
ticians, to be effected through you, as an instru- 
ment. Then you will turn your attention to the 
social world ; in fact, the entire condition of man- 
kind and its relations as they now exist, will be 
changed for the better. Before this takes place, 
however, the nation must suffer intensely. 

Those who are true to God and His teachings, 



88 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 



will be invested with power to destroy the evil 
which now exists among you. 

To-morrow morning I have something more to 
say of your national troubles ; then I shall speak 
of your development, and other topics necessary 
you should be acquainted with. 

Franklin. 
December 24th, 1862. 

My Dear Friend ; The subject upon which I 
have been communicating, that of your national 
dfficulties, I wish you to confine your thoughts to, 
and give it all the attention possible ; and if there 
are any points that you do not comprehend, I will 
explain them to you. 

The reason of my enjoining upon you a thorough 
and comprehensive knowledge* of your national 
affairs, is, that we can operate with greater ease 
upon you, and through you as an instrument, pro- 
duce a more decided impression upon those persons 
who occupy position, but at present are not dis- 
posed to yield to the highest laws of their being, 
and pursue the course that God desires of them. 

I wish you to become conversant with the form 
in which you must act upon those persons, as 
your medium capacity, which is peculiar to your* 
self, is of such a nature that it is important that 
you should be accessory to all the knowledge con- 
cerning yourself, possible. You are at present 
what the beings of earth term an impressible 
medium. That phase of mediumship is one of the 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 89 

most satisfactory forms of spirit development to 
us, because the brain of such a medium is like a 
delicate harp — which we may boldly touch, to 
bring forth every note it can produce. 

This harp is so encased and concealed by means 
of spirit influence brought to bear upon it, that its 
separate chords will be as music to those who can 
receive it, because it proceeds from Divine inspi- 
ration. Other sciences may have fascinations for 
their votaries ; but there are none so fascinating 
as this form of mediumship to a well-balanced and 
progressive mind — none that appeals so directly to 
the laws of your being. This form of impressible 
mediumship you are to use in your association 
with other minds, but in connection with this, you 
are to have a new phase of mediumship under 
your immediate control and direction, which you 
are to employ to bring about certain results. In 
order that your medium capacity should increase, 
it is necessary that you should mingle with persons 
who are congenial to you. It is my wish that you 
3hould associate mostly with females, as you 
receive from them a magnetism which increases 
your power. 

You also receive impressions who to be with — 
your impressions are reliable in that respect. 

It is necessary that you should regard these 
conditions, so that you may arrive at that plan of 
action that God desires of you. 

Consider that your first course of action with 
the President and others, will be to use your 



90 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

impressible power — that is, we will impress, you 
during your audiences with them. Besides we 
will impart to you a plan through this source, that 
you are to show them, which they will be com- 
pelled to act upon. We will also give you all the 
directions necessary for you to accomplish the 
object of your mission to them. 

You are literally an exchanger, as you are the 
one selected as bearer of despatches to the head 
of your nation, and through you we will illuminate 
the leading men of your government with a plan 
of action that will rescue your country from 
destruction. I wish you to read this communi- 
cation several times as it will serve to direct you 
in your future course. It is my desirs that you 
should make all the inquiries you wish, before this 
series of communications is ended. 

Your Guardian, B. franklin. 

December 30, 1862. 

My Bear Friend: Your mission to Wash- 
ington is to give to the President f plan of action 
that we shall give you through this medium after 
your return to Chicago. Through your organ- 
ism, we shall impress upon the mind of the Presi- 
dent the importance and justice of this mode of 
bringing your national matters to a settlement. 
Carrying out this plan will be the first step tak- 
en in producing a change in your national af- 
fairs, and effecting the desired result. We shall 
also through your means make him feel the neces- 
ity ^of adopting it. In fact, your national affairs 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 91 

will be in such a deplorable condition that he will 
be made glad to receive your plan of action, and 
will heed it. 

Consider that before you go, you will receive all 
the necessary instructions regarding your mission 
to Washington, and you will fully realize the power 
which is given you, and feel within yourself the 
ability to produce the change in national matters 
that you desire. 

You are to tell no one y ho originated this work 
for you, but let it appear that it is from your own 
individual resources. 

I do not wish you to say one word to the 
President in relation to Spirit Philosophy, or what 
you term Spiritualism. It is my wish that it 
should be understood by the beings of earth that 
it is your plan, and that you are the author ; as, 
owing to the present condition of public se itiment 
the plan will carry greater weight and take 
stronger hold upaa the minds of the statesmen at 
Washington. • i 

You thus perceive that it is through you that 
we produce a general influence over the future 
destiny of your nation. 

You will also perceive that the manner of acl'on 
which we have dictated to you, owing to public 
feeling, is the only course to be pursued, to make 
the nation accept our plan for the adjustment of 
your present troubles. 

In some of my future communications to you, 1 
will be more explicit on this subject. I think 



92 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

some person will accompany you to Washington, 
but cannot say positively, as it is not time yet to 
arrange that matter. 

In regard to my authority for disclosing to you 
that you were appointed by God for this mission, 
I can only say to you now, as the question, in 
order to make you understand the answer in all its 
bearings, requires a lengthy explanation, that God 
communicates with the beings of earth directly 
through gradations of spirit life, and has the 
power of selecting those who can do the greatest 
good to his creatures. 

I will speak to you of the Divine Mind in some 
of my future papers. All these important ques- 
tions shall be made clear to yoi but I am com- 
pelled to take them in their proper order. 

You will perceive the workings of the Divine 
Mind in the same way that I do. The assurance 
of ultimate success in relation to your mission to 
Washington, comes from the Divine Source, else I 
could not reveal to you the method of procedure. 

Dr. L. L. Farnsworth has been selected by a 
powerful circle of spirits as your principal com- 
municator. It is possible, however, that others 
will be appointed to aid you, and will be used as 
mediums in connection with yonr future labors. 
You may rely on this medium as the one through 
whom I can best express my wishes and will to 
you. You will not remain long at Washington, as 
it will not be necessary to make a prolonged stay 
on your first vidit, 

Your Guar di am Franklin. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 93 

At the close of this series of papers, I returned 
home to Chicago, not fully comprehending their 
import, (While these papers were being given me, 
I was receiving an equal number of scientific 
papers also.) The language was clear enough to 
my understanding, but the selection of myself for 
this work, perplexed me. Passing by learned 
men, statesmen, jurists, and politicians, and thus 
selecting me of all Americans, a business man, to 
carry forward a work of this public character and 
magnitude, I deemed strange in Infinite Wisdom 
^to do — a Power whose vision penetrates all the 
secret springs of life — motives of men, and 
measures their ability, integrity, and purposes. I 
could not realize my fitness above all others, to 
control the leading minds and measures of the 
national government, although well acquainted 
with the President. At, this early day I did not 
realize my mediumship as being of the extent and 
character that the spirit congress did, or as of 
sufficient importance to be used, as results have 
proved it to be. In a subsequent paper, Dr. 
Franklin gives his reason for not continuing the 
messages to me through the month of January, 
1863, as suggested. 

Boston, Feb. 5th, 1863. 
Dear Friend Richmond : — The following is 
the commencement of the plan which your present 
national difficulties must be settled by. 

I wish you to study it attentively until you 



94 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

acquire a thorough knowledge of the subject that 
I lay before you, and if there is any part which 
you do not perfectly comprehend you are to write 
me at once and I will explain ; you will perceive 
the necessity of paying much attention to those 
communications, as they will be of much impor- 
tance to the beings of earth. 

There is no other way through which you can 
emerge from your present troubles than by a 
recognition of the manhood of the colored race ; 
by this I mean, in the ordaining of Providence, 
the right which the negro sustains in the scale of 
being, to his claims for freedom, for justice, and 
humanity. 

God can never smile upon a nation, can never 
give permanent prosperity to a people, who ignore 
this immortal truth — the right of one man is the 
right of all men. 

God is no respecter of persons ; all are alike 
entitled to an equal chance, to a common inheri- 
tance, from the great Fountain of the universe. 

When a nation ignores this, it is but sowing 
seeds, the fruits of which shall seal its doom. In 
the name, then, of humanity, in the ncime of a 
broad and unerring philosophy, in the name of the 
universal brotherhood which God has designed 
from the foundation of the world, should be 
established — Give the negro an equal chance 
with the white man ! 

Free and arm all the negroes in the Border 
States and that portion of Louisiana which you 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 95 

now hold in jour possession, and send them forth 
to cut their way to freedom, and free their 
brethren who are now in bondage, and raise them 
to the position which the Great Father has decreed 
that they should occupy. There is no other way 
to your national triumph, to your national peace. 
This important lesson the nation has been slow to 
learn — this great principle has been so long 
ignored, that it may be too late to bring speedy 
salvation to your country, but in the grand working 
out of results, this course shall carry you to a 
position over which the angels shall exult, and man 
shall rejoice. 

To-morrow morning, if possible, I shall again 
communicate to you. Franklin. 

February 21st, 1863. 

My Friend Richmond'. — Conditions have been 
such that I could not control the medium until this 
morning. In this communication I shall endeavor 
to impart to you the entire plan in connection with 
what you have previously received. 

The sooner your government wakes up to the 
emergencies of the hour, the better; by timely 
action it may avert the calamity which threatens 
its entire overthrow. New complications and 
obstacles are looming up in the distance. 

Indeed, some are at your very doors. There is 
the South ready in the last extremity to offer 
freedom to her slaves, if they will take up arms 
against the North, rather than be conquered by 
you. The South will certainly do this, ? 



96 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

Again, there is danger from foreign interference. 
France is keeping her own counsels, but is laying 
plans for future operations, which may startle the 
North like the shock of an earthquake. 

The breach between the opposing parties at the 
North is growing wider, and threatens to culmi- 
nate in fratricidal warfare and bloodshed. 

How shall these evils be arrested ? Only by 
immediate and vigorous prosecution of the war, 
by the government's availing itself of every possible 
instrumentality in its power. By arming iht 
negroes wherever they can be reached, as rapidly as 
possible ; and by discharging all officers who are 
not really in earnest in the work of crushing the 
rebellion. 

You, my friend Richmond, are invested with 
influence. Let that influence be at once exerted 
in urging upon the government the necessity of 
active and vigorous measures. Go personally to 
Washington, if need be. Seek an interview wilh 
the President, and present to him the subject in 
detail, which I have here given you in outline. 

Let Justice and Freedom be the watchwords 
now and henceforth. Justice and Freedom are 
immortal ! They are backed up by the God of 
Hosts, and whoever plants himself in the way of 
their advancing steps, will be ground to powder. 

The reason of my not continuing these commu- 
nications daily after you left Boston, was in part 
owing to the medium's not being in a fit condition, 
and iiom other causes which I cannot explain at 
present. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 97 

It would assist me much if Mrs. Lull were to 
sit with the medium. Conditions will be made 
favorable for me to control him for weeks to come, 
but soon I intend to bring him to you at Chicago, 
as I can control him much better near you. You 
will hear from me again in a few days. 

Your Friend and Guardian, Franklin. 

At this time I was in Chicago. Mrs. Lull was 
in Boston, holding the " circle of three " with 
Mrs. Parmalee at her house, at the appointed 
times. Being impressed that a letter from me to 
Mr. Lincoln would be as well as a visit, I wrote 
the following letter to him, which Dr. Franklin 
sail served the purpose quite as well as a personal 
visit would have done. 

Chicago, March 2d, 1863. 

Abraham Lincoln, President : — I am most 
deeply oppressed with the condition of our country, 
and impressed with the importance of such speedy 
action as promises to end the national strife, and 
secure the approbation of heaven. 

Sir, had slavery never existed in our country, 
civil war and strife had not ^een. While the 
cause of the war exists, peace can never come. 
The elements of strife must be removed, or strife 
will never cease. 

The perils of the hour are imminent. The 
sooner the government awakens to and realizes 
them, the better it can, by timely action, avert the 
calamities that threaten its overthrow. New com- 



98 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

plications and difficulties are looming up in the 
distance ; indeed, some are at your very doors. I 
will name a few. Sir, you can see the constant 
weakening of public faith in the success of our 
arms, and the stability of our government, by that 
never-failing commercial thermometer — the price 
of funds, the relations that bank and national 
credit bear to coin. 

You perceive, sir, the mercury of difference 
rising every week, until one dollar in coin will buy 
one dollar and seventy cents in government issues, 
and you may depend that there is more gold now 
being bought and stored away for personal safety, 
than when it was but ten per cent premium. This 
sinking of public faith must be arrested ; public 
confidence must be restored or at least strengthened. 

Again, the breach between the opposing parties 
of the North is widening. There is a very formi- 
dable minority in the North that acts like brakes 
upon the wheels of government, who sympathize 
with and aid the rebels in every possible way. 
There are persons amongst them who would pilot a 
hostile fleet through our blockading squadron into 
Southern ports, if possible. 

There is danger, too, from foreign interference. 
France is keeping her own counsels, but is 
watching events, and laying plans for future 
operations, which may startle the North like the 
shock of an earthquake. The war she is carrying 
on in Mexico is furnishing a fine covering to a 
preparation for Southern aid or interference* 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 99 

Then, Sir, the South is ready in the last 
extremity to offer freedom to its slaves, if they will 
take up arms against the North, rather than to be 
conquered, and the South will d it ! Then the 
terrible consequences that will follow, none can 
predict. 

The term of service of a large number of our 
troops now in the field has nearly expired ; there 
can be but little done towards replacing them and 
increasing our force by volunteers. 

Now it is my solemn conviction, that to subdue 
the rebellion and save the government, that special 
means must be inaugurated within one hundred 
days. What shall they be — what course will 
avert the danger ? 

I answer, first, by the government's availing 
itself of every possible instrumentality to weaken 
the South, and by the most vigorous prosecution of 
the war ; by discharging from his command every 
officer, high or low, who is not really in earnest in 
crushing the rebellion ; leave not a man in com- 
mand, who is not loyal and true to the command 
of the President, and every measure of the gov- 
ernment, and is animated by a spirit of conquest. 
Arm every negro slave who can be animated by 
the hope of freedom and justice, and promise 
freedom to every slave who will fight for it, no 
matter whether in loyal or rebellious States. 
Press with all possible speed the securing of the 
muscle and sinew of the slave population. It is 
this which will decide the strife between the North 
FC. 



100 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

and South. That government which secures this 
physical power, and renders justice to the negro 
race by giving to it freedom, obtains a moral force 
that shall sweep before it all opposition. God 
demands the freedom of the slave ; it was for this 
end He instituted this strife, and the side which 
shall liberate, and thus recognize the manhood, 
the equality before the law of the negro race, will 
strike into the line of right and justice, and secure 
the favor of God, and succeed in its aims. 

Sir, unless you give freedom to the slave and 
arm him speedily the Confederates will ; as sure as 
the North gains a few successes, Jeff. Davis will 
free and arm the slaves against us. 

You thus perceive that the power of the North 
is in the sinews of war — the money ; and that is 
based upon confidence in the success of our arms ; 
confidence rises and falls as prospects are. Tested 
each day by commercial action, the public faith ia 
now seventy per cent below absolute confidence in 
our success. Now, Sir, your position is an 
exceedingly responsible one. Upon your action 
depends the whole question of life or death" to the 
American government. 

In my humble opinion, Sir, the following course 
is altogether the most speedy and likely to succeed. 

Promise the entire slave population freedom in 
the event of the success of this government in 
subduing the rebellious South. Let the rallying 
cry be freedom, justice, and manhood for the 
colored race. Secure the enlistment and arming 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 101 

of negroes as rapidly as possible ; put them under 
humane, vigorous and loyal officers, and let them 
cut their way through the opposing rebellious 
elements as rapidly as possible. Make a large 
call under the conscription law, and infuse a 
mighty vigor into every department of the public 
service. , 

Allow me to say in closing, that the negro race 
bas been the element and cause of this strife, and 
the power of that race in its bone and sinew, will 
be the power, that, in co-operating with one or 
the other parties, will become the successful party. 
The negro race, armed and fighting with the South 
for freedom, the Confederate States may well put 
the government at defiance. 

Our government, with its resources and armies, 
with the slave population as allies fighting with us, 
stimulated by the hope of freedom, manhood and 
justice, may bid not only the South, but all of 
Europe, defiance. 

Hoping and trusting, dear Sir, that what I have 
said may not be offensive, but prove of service to 
you and the country, 

I am Yours Most Truly, 

Thomas Richmond. 

From February to August I received no com- 
munications from Dr. Franklin upon the subject 
of the war. My directions came through my own 
impressibility, as the medium's condition would not 
admit of his being used for these war communi- 
cations ; they requiring a higher and more perfect 



102 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

condition than other and commonplace medium- 
is tic writings. 

Dr. Franklin, desiring to give me a series of 
papers for guidance and instruction, directed me 
to go to Boston in August, and remain in near 
proximity to Farnsworth, the medium, while there, 
which I did ; and the following seven papers were 
given me, bearing date of each day that they 
were written. Several papers on scientific and 
philosophic subjects were given me during this 
time, which will be published in due season. 

Boston, Aug. 15, 1863. 

My Friend: — I am happy to be enabled to 
write and give you the information you so earnestly 
seek. I would not hold out to you the great 
benefit that you can be to your country, had I not 
thoroughly tested your mental power, the mag- 
netic influence you are capable of exerting over 
persons, and the degree of influence that I hold 
over you in certain directions, when coming in 
direct contact with you, and by means of mediums 
also. I wish you to write to the members of the 
Cabinet. I will mention those whom I desire you 
to write to, as soon as conditions are ready for you 
to act in that direction. I will also give you forms 
of letters through this source, in the course of a 
few weeks ; and here let me add, I shall without 
fail have this medium come to Chicago, so that he 
can be more available for you, and be directly 
under your influence and mine, so that I can do 
the greatest good by the use of his powers. The 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 103 

' reason for not continuing these communications 
last January, was owing in part to counteracting 
influences working upon him, and some changes at 
Washington, that prevented my producing the 
change upon the oflicers there at the time I 
intended, but soon a broader ' avenue of action 
will be opened for me, and I shall bring about the 
desired result. I shall want you to write to some 
of the Governors of the various States. 

At present I must withhold, for I wish to have 
the medium with you all the time, so as to give 
you the necessary instructions. It will take some 
time to carry out the plan that I have in view, 
and I must have conditions so that I can give you 
my sentiments. It will be but a few weeks before 
I shall want you to act, and I want you to keep 
the matter under consideration until that time, so 
that I shall find you fully prepared to proceed aa 
desired. Your Guardian, Franklin. 

Aug. 16, (a. m.,) 1863. 

My Friend ; — There is an electrical or mag- 
netic mental atmosphere which pervades the entire 
universe, that emanates from mankind. There are 
also sympathetic poles or currents of nervauric 
influence passing through this magnetic atmos- 
phere, (like telegraph wires in your atmosphere,) 
which establish relations between persons of a 
sympathetic and governing character. These 
vehicles of thought, or means through which the 
will, which is the great motive power of man, and 
upon which all the powers, of the brain are 



104 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

dependent, is so subtile in its movement that at 
present it is not within the reach of man's compre- 
hension to realize its action. It was many years 
after I left the earth before I was made conscious 
of this arrangement of the mental fluids — 
although while upon earth, electricity and its con- 
nection with ponderable agencies, was my highest 
pleasure to experiment upon. 

This knowledge of the sympathetic relations 
between man that exists, and the power they 
possess of impressing each other at a great 
distance, and by exercise of the will control each 
other, first led me to the discovery of the possi- 
bility of spirit communion with the beings of earth. 

There are sympathetic relations of the nature 
that I have described, existing between you and 
the Chief Magistrate of your nation, also with 
other leading officials; and with my aid, other 
conditions being favorable to impress the President 
and other persons, I am enabled to give you the 
plan by which your war must be settled — of 
which I have given you but an outline. Conse- 
quently the best mode for you to impress those 
persons, is to keep your mind and body in perfect 
health, and select certain hours of the day which 
will suit your convenience ; desire with all your 
strength — appeal to the Fountain Head of power 
and justice, that you may have the desired effect 
upon the person you have in view. 

Your writing to the person whom you wish to 
affect, will greatly facilitate the action of your 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 105 

uervauric influence upon him. The more vigor of 
will you possess, at the greater distance will you 
affect the party. The letter you wrote to the 
President last March, which I had knowledge of, 
was entirely satisfactory to me ; it made a deep 
impression upon his mind, and has prepared him 
for further communications from you. Were it not 
for the opposition of his Council, he -would have 
acted fully upon it ; but he commenced to act in 
the direction that was given him, and has done all 
that in his power and province lay, to carry out 
the ideas that were presented to, and impressed 
upon him. The mode of operating upon the 
leading minds of your nation, I will endeavor to 
impart to you this afternoon. It is a matter that 
requires much attention, but I will assist you as 
much as possible. 

The working of your mind upon persons is 
entirely unconscious to you, and it will be very 
difficult to make it so clear to you that you can 
fully realize the philosophy, but I can so advise 
you that you may increase your power over them. 
All natural laws are of themselves their own exec- 
utors, working out their own possibilities. When 
a law is transgressed, the transgressor becomes a 
complete slave to that law — and must receive the 
just punishment. 

The people of your country have taken from the 
negro the rights, the liberty that God has given 
him, consequently, from the natural working of 
all laws and principles, they must meet a just 
retribution. 



106 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

I am known to both of your sons, and I think 
they will both communicate to you through this 
medium. Ypur son Joseph requested me to tell 
you that he would do so. 

Your Guardian, FranMin, 

Aug. 16, (p. m.,) 1863. 

My Friend Richmond : — Grod is always and 
has ever been communicating with His children^ 
This nervauric mode of communication is the most 
reliable, and it is by this system that I am now 
holding communion with you. These mental fluids 
are visible to me, also the established currents of 
sympathy existing between persons. 

Concerning the relations that you hold with 
persons whom I have spoken to you of — I have 
tested the extent of your power which may be 
exerted over them. The writings of the ancient 
prophets, as those from me through this medium, 
are alike given. 

There is a mental atmosphere arising from my 
spirit sphere, which is similar to your own, but 
more rarefied. Each spirit sphere has its mental 
atmosphere, and spirits existing in spheres above 
me, use similar modes of communication with me. 
The spirit world is connected by sympathetic 
relations, but of a more refined and higher char- 
acter than the sympathetic relations of earth. As 
I progress, all matter is more refined and light is 
more brilliant. I arrive at your questions by 
communicating with your mind at the time I am 
writing. The use of the letter with the medium. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 107 

is only to maintain the relations with you. The 
manner in which I get at your thoughts, is through 
the nervauric sense. 

In communicating with you I endeavor to define 
items in the same manner in which you do, using 
your forms of expression — but in spirit life we 
count items in the order of things. There is 
much more I desire to communicate Before you 
return home. I will write you again to-morrow 
morning. Your Guardian, Franklin. 

Aug. 17, 1863. 

My Friend : — I wish to speak to you at this 
time of your mission and usefulness. I have pre- 
viously explained much to you concerning your 
present national difficulties. I have told you the 
cause of your civil war, and I have pointed out 
the only way by which you can have permanent 
peace, and justice rule supreme. 

The negro race must declare its manhood. God 
asserts it, and as it has been abused by the people 
of the South, a just retribution must inevitably 
follow. Negro soldiers will ultimate this war. 
Not only will the South suffer from the hands of 
the unfortunate negro, but the people of the 
North, so far as they have been concerned in sup- 
pressing the freedom of the African, must receive 
their just punishment. 

It is, then, demanded of you by a high power, 
to use all your efforts to impress upon leading 
minds the necessity of arming the negro in every 
possible way. I have already taken the initiatory 



108 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

steps towards this measure ; through your means 
I have already affected the leading Magistrate of 
the nation, and as soon as I can make his advisers 
yield to the same impression, then I shall want 
you to take measures to have an interview with 
him, that I may exert a greater influence over 
his mind. 

I am perfectly satisfied thus far as to the 
general effect that can be produced through your 
means upon the leading officers of your country. 

Be not disheartened in laboring for justice and 
the elevation of the race ; for in so doing you 
hasten your spiritual development. 

Concerning all matters that you are not sat- 
isfied upon, I wish you to write and question me, 
as I am glad to communicate to you. 

Your Guardian, Franklin. 

Aug. 18. 

My Friend : — This mental atmosphere is of 
itself distinct from all other elements, and the 
currents of nervauric influence remain unmixed. 
By tne laws of attraction and sympathy, these 
currents maintain a compact body, by virtue of 
their own system. These cords or magnetic poles 
are regulated by the action of your mind. The 
experiences you make mention of are the ner- 
vauric currents. I discovered the nervauric 
system of spirit communion with the beings of 
earth. Spirits have always communicated to 
earth, but in different forms. 

God is always, and has ever been in commu- 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 109 

nication with His children. The nervauric mode 
is the most reliable, and it is bj this system that I 
am now holding communion with you. These 
mental fluids are visible to me, also the established 
currents existing between persons. Concerning 
the relation that you hold with persons, that I 
have spoken to you of, I have tested the extent of 
power which may be exerted over them. 

The writings of the ancient prophets were the 
same as those from me through this medium. 

There is a mental atmosphere arising from my 
spirit sphere which is similar to your mental 
atmosphere, but more refined ; each sphere has its 
mental atmosphere, and spirits existing in spheres 
above me use similar modes of communication 
with me. 

The spirit world is connected by sympathetic 
relations, but of more refined and higher character 
than the sympathetic relations of earth. As I • 
progress, all matter is more refined, and light is 
more brilliant. * * * * The manner through 
which I get at your thoughts is through the ner- 
vauric sense. 

Your son Joseph is progressing as fast as spirits 
usually do. His habits when upon earth were not 
formed through the promptings of his own nature, 
but from outside influences. Men only suffer 
from the wrongs they originate themselves. He 
is destined to become a bright and useful spirit. 
Your Guardian, Franklin. 



110 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

August 19, 1863. 

My Friend : — Your national government will 
not be so broken up as to destroy the value of its 
issues. The future government will not rest 
entirely on the basis of the old, but it will be 
reconstructed and new amendments adopted. But 
the government of the United States that is to be 
formed after the present crisis is passed, will be 
entirely of a new character, unlike any govern- 
ment now existing upon the earth. I will disclose 
its nature in due time. * * * Franklin. 

On the 20th I wrote to Dr. Franklin that it was 
generally believed by the people of the North that 
the fighting was about done between the parties — 
that the backbone of the war was broken. I 
asked him if he did not so conceive it, presuming 
that he had a much clearer vision of the future 
than the people or myself had. He replied of 
same date as follows, in a note : " I do not con- 
sider that the ' backbone of the war is broken, ' 
as the feeling of oppression towards the negro race, 
both North and South, is not yet subdued. Appa- 
rently, your army has nearly conquered the South, 
but the end of this terrible strife is not yet. 
There must be a radical change in your political, 
social, and religious departments, and your people 
must be purified as by fire, before you can have 
permanent peace. Before the war is ended your 
army will consist largely of the negroes of the 
South, but much suffering will come to your people 
before this takes place. 

" I tell you this as I receive it from the Source 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. Ill 

of Justice, and I am commissioned by a high 
power to labor for the good of my country, that 
harmony may prevail, and the true religion be 
implanted in your hearts, that you may 'grow 
strong as a nation, and become in every sense of 
the term a progressive people. " 

These were Dr. Franklin's views. The " back- 
bone of the war " was not in forts, stockades, 
arms, munitions of war, or troops of men, but in 
the spirit of the people, the feeling of oppression 
and injustice towards the negro. The South were 
guilty of the deepest injustice and oppression in 
making men property and beasts of burden. 

The North was guilty of the crime of sustaining 
the South in its oppression, and of a deep seated 
and heartless prejudice against the negro. The 
" backbone of the war " lay in these crimes, in 
Dr. Franklin's view. Therefore the South must 
conquer its crimes, and the North its prejudice, 
before it was fully broken, and justice done. 

As soon as the last message was given, I 
returned home to Chicago ; the two following 
letters, bearing dates of 26th and 31st of August, 
came to hand in due time by mail. Early in Sep- 
tember, the medium, Dr. Farnsworth, and his 
family, removed to Chicago. His condition after 
this was not always good ; nevertheless he was 
used for short messages, sufficient for the purpose 
intended by Dr. Franklin. 

Boston, Aug. 26, 1863. 
My Friend : — I am happy to realize that the 
conditions for communicating with you are good, 



112 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

ana I have a mosfc perfect control of the medium. 

The relations that I established during your 
last visit here, are permanent. At this time I 
think it best to give you the system of action that 
you are to carry out. 

In the first place, when I deem it is best for you 
to write to the President and others holding 
important positions in your government, I shall 
give you the required instruction concerning the 
letters that you will write to them ; and I wish 
you to think of what I have said aspecting your 
national troubles, and with the assistance that I 
shall give you, by impressing your mi d with the 
general plan, frame for yourself letters to the 
President, and submit them to me. I will then 
make the alterations necessary. 

My reason for requesting this is that by this 
means I may prepare the recipient of your letters, 
so that I may have greater control over him ; and 
by your giving attention to the matter, I can act 
with greater efficiency upon the sympathetic rela- 
tions existing between you and the person to whom 
you are writing. I think it will not be necessary 
for you to place the letters you write, in the 
presence of the medium. I endeavor to make all 
of these matters plain to you, so that you may act 
with some degree of system. 

After I have completed this matter, then I shall 
proceed to give the natural philosophy concerning 
many sciences, and a true religion which is 
necessary to the well being of human society. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 113 

I have the means at hand for carrying out these 
contemplations. Your present science of theology 
is based on undemonstrable tales and evident mis- 
representations. Why not shape all your branches 
of knowledge upon systematic science ? Why 
does society neglect the study of a rational reli- 
gion — a religion compatible with human reason ? 
I shall give you the knowledge of natural theology 
and true morality ; also a correct system of 
society, by which all the beings of earth can be 
benefited, by association. 

I shall want you to make the first move in this 
direction, after you have received the basis upon 
which to act upon the community. 

Society at present is morbid in all of its rela- 
tions, and is undergoing a change external as well 
as internal. 

The people of earth are waking up to deep and 
earnest thought, and will receive and naturally 
adhere to progressive ideas ; a great change is to 
take place in all your public institutions. The 
demand is made by the beings of earth, and it 
will be responded to by the Father of the universe. 

Many good and powerful spirits have endeavored 
to establish societies upon a reform system on 
earth, but not having proper mediums and persons 
to act through, have partially failed ; but they 
have performed their mission, and now I am 
instructed to act in the direction mentioned, and I 
have made selection of you to carry out my plans. 
I desire you to act in conjunction with me, and the 



114 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY, 

world in which you live will be greatly benefited ; 
your condition will be made higher, and of greater 
use to yourself and mankind. 

Concerning this medium, I think it is best that 
he should go to your city as soon as he can 
reasonably prepare to leave here. * * 

I thought it best not to give you a very lengthy 
letter this time — it being the first occasion upon 
which I have controlled him since you left. 

Your Guardian, Franklin. 

[Extract from Letter of Aug. 31, 1863.] 

* * * I am with other spirits organizing 
electrical conditions in - Washington and other 
places, so that you will be better enabled to carry 
out that which will be given you to perform, and 
also that I can act with more power through you, 
upon the officers of your government. 

Franklin 
[Extract from Letter of Sept. 29, 1863.] 

* * * In your letters to the President 
and others, I would like you to set forth the abso- 
lute necessity of arming all the negroes, and 
making use of all Southern resources that can be 
obtained, to defend the North and the right. You 
may begin the letter to the Chief Magistrate as 
soon as it suits your convenience, and I will review 
it before you send it to him. I wish you to write 
and forward all of the letters before the opening 
of the next Congress. 

The next Congress which will assemble in the 
United States will be the most eventful one, and 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 115 

produce the greatest commotion in the nation, of 
any that has ever held counsel before. Great 
changes are soon to come to your nation, and from 
these changes the nation will emerge, purified 
and refined. 

I am throwing influences about you and the 
medium, and developing you so that when the 
time comes for action, you will not be lacking in 
spiritual strength and capacity to do that which 
God desires of you. Franklin. 

[Extract from Letter of Sept. 30, 1863.] 
* * * Concerning the letters to the 
President and others, I wish you first to write a 
letter to the Chief Magistrate and then submit it 
to me for reviewal, after which it may be best to 
have it printed. I should like the letter prepared 
as soon as it meets your convenience. 

Franklin. 

If the familiar reader of Dr. Franklin's succinct 
and terse writings when in earth life, should take 
exceptions to what may appear to him tautalogy 
in these messages, he should consider the fact that 
the subject admits of little variety. 

The grand object of the powers above was to 
abolish slavery, and to extend to the negro race 
its just rights. To accomplish this, everything 
was instrumental. To prepare persons for their 
positions as leading and active instruments was the 
first work. Mr. Lincoln must be elected as the 
chief official actor, because he was susceptible of 
Divine influences, and by means of other persons, 
could be made positive to those around. 



116 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

I was appointed an instrument to act on Mr. 
Lincoln, as a force, a battery, and upon other 
officials because I was negative to the Divine, and 
positive to the world's influence, when coming in 
competition. 

These messages came to me, for a period of ten 
consecutive years, to fit me and charge my mind 
with both the object and the work to be done by 
me. Subjects were often repeated of necessity. 
I must be instructed from time to time what to do. 
I must understand my use and mission. I must 
comprehend each message as it came, or ask of 
Dr. Franklin by letter, an explanation. His 
replies would come in language similar to the first 
given. 

Again, long previous to any required action on 
my part, Dr. Franklin thought it essential to 
advise me of the work, and direct my mind to it, 
and he repeated it often, to more effectually pre- 
pare me for it. The continuous presentation of a 
subject was the means of preparing my mind for 
the use intended ; spirits can much easier guide, 
quicken and enlarge a thought in a medium, than 
they can generate one. 

In point of tautalogy or repetition, I think 
these messages will compare favorably with Moses' 
account of the emancipation of the Hebrew slaves 
from Egyptian bondage. 

[Extract from Letter of Oct. 6, 1863.] 
* * * Concerning the letter to the Presi- 
dent, I know something of what you have written. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 117 

A.s soon as conditions favor it, I will endeavor to 
give you some thoughts concerning that epistle. 

At present the spirits are holding congress. 
Spirits from different nations have met in council, 
ind as soon as I am permitted, I will counsel you 
upon this matter. You have already accomplished 
sufficient to agitate the subject, and now you can 
irop it for a short time — and when it is best for 
you to act in the matter, I will inform you. 

As at the present time you need assistance in 
your business, possibly it would be well for you to 
eonfine your thoughts to that direction, and it will 
give me a better opportunity to give you the aid 
you require of me. 

Consider that in all of my communications to 
you, and the advice that I give you through this 
medium, I am compelled to use your mind as an 
agent, and in that way I can convey to you my 
thoughts, wholly separate from any influence ; 
you thus receive my original thoughts. I speak 
of this, as I wish to make you acquainted with 
the conditions, so that you can give me more assis- 
tance. * * I can answer your questions when 
the medium is at any distance from you. 

Franklin. 

Dr. Franklin, having directed me to write to 
some of the Governors of the States upon the 
subject of the war, I did so, inditing letters to 
several of them. I did not retain copies, as at 
that time I had not learned that it was his design 
to have either his messages to me, or anything in 



118 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

regard to the war, published. The following is a 
copy of my letter to Gov. Todd, of Ohio, the 
only one I chanced to copy. Other letters were 
of similar import 

Chicago, Oct 20, 1863. 

Gov. David Todd, Ohio — 

My Dear Sir : As you now 
enjoy political position and power, consequently, 
have influence with the Administration and the 
war department of this nation, I presume to 
address to you a few thoughts, which I feel are 
pertinent to the hour, and condition of our country. 

No rational man can doubt that slavery is the 
cause of the war now existing, nor believe that it 
will cease, so long as that cause exists 

No one can doubt that the wisdom and power 
which organized this universe, intends this civil 
strife to culminate in the total freedom of the slave. 

If this is a truth, it is wise for this government 
to act in perfect harmony with the higher Wisdom, 
and run its action parallel with those supreme 
designs. 

Congress has adopted measures and enacted 
laws, giving varied and abundant powers to the 
Administration to confiscate rebel property, to 
enlist and arm the negro, and call out a large and 
formidable army from the African race. Abun- 
dant power and authority are given to the war 
department, to damage the enemy. 

The President has issued his proclamation, 
setting free certain slaves, and has authorized the 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 119 

the enroling and arming of negroes. So far, all 
is well done. 

But, Sir, the spirit of these laws, and the proc- 
lamation, have not been felt nor carried out, by 
the various parties whose duty it has been to carry 
them into fullest execution. 

Very little has been done under the confiscation 
law, compared with what should have been. A 
few negroes have been enrolled, armed, and brought 
into service, but there should have been ten where 
there is one. The fact is, a large portion of the 
officers in command of military posts, stations and 
districts, have entirely disregarded their duty in 
this respect, while others have bat imperfectly ful- 
filled theirs. 

General Rosecrans, several months in the heart 
of the rebellion, in the thickest of slavery, ought 
to have had sixty or a hundred thousand negro 
troojs enrolled, armed and disciplined, with which 
he might have marched and conquered, with the 
aid of his own white troops, all opposing forces. 
Instead of this, he suffered defeat, shame, and 
reproach, and the loss of thousands of valuable 
lives, without having a regiment, company, or 
negro under arms. 

Gen. Mead's army, in the heart of Virginia, has 
not, as far as I can learn, a negro regiment in it, 
notwithstanding the laws, the proclamation, and 
the hopes of the people. 

Sir, there is a deplorable lack of spirit and 
loyalty to the laws of Congress, and the procla- 



120 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

mation of the President, on the part of those in 
command, who are placed to execute them. The 
spirit of the laws and measures designed as instru- 
ments to conquer the rebels, does not exist suffi- 
ciently strong in the officers of the army, and of 
the government. 

Three hundred thousand more soldiers are 
wanted ; the States are called on, each to furnish 
its quota. With all possible fidelity and loyalty to 
the government, each State should respond to the 
call ; but while you are urging volunteers to come 
forward and peril their lives in the service, you 
should demand of the President that he at once 
takes measures to fill the depleted ranks of the 
army with negro troops. Had there been efficiency 
in enrolling negro soldiers in time, the conscription 
would not have been necessary in July last, or 
the call now. 

Our government must begin in earnest to d zmage 
the rebels and the rebel States. 

First, and most effectually to do this, is to con- 
fiscate the able-bodied slaves, arm them, and make 
them an element of strength to us, at the same 
time taking the same element of power from them. 
Nothing would so distress and weaken rebellion, 
as to s e its property, its slaves, in our army, ready 
to cut their way to freedom. 

Why should we not immediately raise an army 
of half a million colored men and place them in 
the field, thus relieving Northern soldiers to till 
the soil, and continue their mechanical pursuits ? 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 121 

Why not save the lives and limbs of Northern 
men, and prosecute the war by the use of the 
physical force of those who have been the inno- 
cent and unconscious cause of it. 

Sir, I venture the prophecy that a negro army 
will ultimate this war, and why not now commence 
in earnest to substitute the black for the white 
soldier ? 

Arm the negroes — promise them freedom ! 
Give them the watchword and rallying cry of Lib- 
erty, Justice, Manhood ! Give them good officers 
— those who are inspired by the spirit of crushing 
out the rebellion with bullets, and let them fight 
upon their native soil, to conquer their enemies 
and free themselves. 

I beg of you, Sir, to use your influence, which 
is not small, with the President and heads of de- 
partments, to bring about this result. 

I am very truly yours, 

Thomas Richmond. 
Nov. 12, 1863. 

My Friend: — Again it gives me pleasure to 
communicate to you ; conditions will soon be so 
that I can give you long letters. It is my wish 
that you should write te the President at your 
earliest convenience. 

Your first letter to him served as a preparatory 
one for further correspondence with him. You 
will set forth in your letter that you are prompted 
to write to him by an invisible power, and thai 
your own reason impels you. Advise him to have 



122 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

all the negroes in the State of Kentucky that can 
be influenced to join his army, as many of tha 
people in that State will assist him to carry or.t 
this plan ; also set forth to him the importance of 
raising as many negro soldiers as are possible — 
as they will be required in order to subdue every 
rebel. 

You can copy the letter that you have already 
prepared, and embrace what I have given, and 
send it to him. My reason for not giving you a 
full letter and having you copy and send it to 
him, is, that it would not produce so good an effects 
as coming from your own mind — as that is used 
directly upon the will of the President, to influence 
him as we wish. 

It will be my pleasure to write you concerning 
your personal matters, and after these matters are 
disposed of, I shall then give you letters upon 
scientific subjects. All my plans are working well. 
I shall endeavor to communicate to you briefly, 
daily, until conditions will allow me to commu- 
nicate to you at length. Your Guardian, 

Franklin. 
[Extract from Letter of Nov. 13, 1863.] 
* * * You can send your letter to the 
President by mail, and I think it will reach him. 
Write " private " on one corner of the envelope, 
and I will see that he receives it. Your letter of 
last winter reached him, and it had the desired 
effect upon him. Since then he has pursued the 
plan in part which that letter contained. 



I 
MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 123 

The plan set forth in that letter was taken int 
consideration by his Cabinet, and they partly 
acted upon it. I shall have a greater influence 
over him at the coming session of Congress. It 
is my intention that you hold direct communication 
with the President. 

Facilities will be opened so that he may cor- 
respond with you. The present steps taken are a 
preparatory opening for future operations. I 
shall wish you to write to others besides the 
President. I will direct you at the proper time. 
I am arranging it so that your spirit children will 
communicate with their mother through this 
medium. Franklin. 

Dr. Franklin usually impressed my mind with a 
subject, before writing to me upon it, and ofcen 
urged me to act promptly upon the impressions as 
[ received them, which I usually did upon familiar 
and important subjects. Nevertheless, it was not 
always clear that to my mind the impressions 
which I received were not the workings of my own 
spirit in whole or in part, and therefore I some- 
times followed them hesitatingly. He always per- 
ceived the workings of my thought, and wrote to 
me through the hand of the medium, directing, 
correcting, or confirming my impressions. 

In the case of the following letter to President 
Lincoln, I had, under impression, drawn up a 
skeleton of a letter, which I had laid by, being the 
one which he referred to under date of 12th, 
which I then finished and mailed, marked " pri« 
vate," as he directed in his last letter. 



124 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

Chicago, Nov. 15, 1863. 

Abraham Lincoln, President — 

Dear Sir : I 
feel impelled by some invisible power, and my own 
reason responds to the influence, to write you. 

Considering your valuable time and pressure of 
business, I will aim to be brief. 

" Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a 
reproach to any people." 

This nation has been exalted just in proportion 
to its righteous dealing. It is now suffering re- 
proach for the sins it has committed against the 
rights of humanity, in making beasts of burden 
and merchandise of men. 

God intends that slavery shall cease, and the 
negro enjoy the rights which belong to humanity. 

God has a way His own wisdom contrives. 
Cause and effect run together in all His works. 
Slavery has been the cause of our national strife, 
and this civil war is to be the cause of the libera- 
tion of the slave ; but Sir, the negro must become 
an important element in attaining his own freedom, 
as the Hebrews were in gaining their freedom from 
Egyptian bondage. 

Congress has done nobly in enacting laws and 
giving power to successfully prosecute the war. 
You, Sir, have done nobly in your proclamation oi 
freedom to slaves in certain conditions, and in pro- 
tecting and rewarding those who came into our 
lines. Still, the spirit of the laws of Congress 
and of the proclamation of freedom has not per- 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 125 

vaded the war department — the army command. 
General Rosecrans, in the midst of slavery and 
rebellion several months the past season, had not a 
regiment, a company, or a negro armed and in 
battle, when he was forced to retire to Chatta- 
nooga. He might have had fifty to a hundred 
thousand armed and disciplined, enough to have 
marched through and conquered all the South, if 
he had possessed the will and spirit — but for lack 
of these he was forced to retire 'in disgrace before 
the rebel army. 

Gen. Meade's army, in the heart of old Vir- 
ginia some three years, has very few, if indeed 
any, regularly organized negro troops. It has had 
six different commanders and a few doubtful suc- 
cesses. This army should have had a hundred 
thousand negro troops well armed and drilled for 
service. Had these commanders possessed the 
spirit requisite to . subdue the rebellion, there 
would have been a negro force sufficient to drive 
Gen. Lee with all his troops, from out the valley. 

Sir, the time has come when the North must feel 
more the spirit of damaging, and thus subduing, 
the rebellious States. To damage them most is to 
take their property in slaves, which is and has 
been their support, and make them elements of 
power against them. To take away their strength 
and add to ours, is like taking out of one scale 
and putting it into the opposite one. There is 
nothing that can be done that would so dishearten 
the rebels, as to enlist, arm, and drill three or four 



126 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

hundred thousand of their negro slaves. There is 
nothing within the power of the Administration 
that would so soon bring this unholy strife to a 
close. 

A million of Northern soldiers marching South 
would not, be so destructive to the hopes of the 
rebels * as an army of half a million of negroes 
grown upon their own soil, with the watchword of 
Freedom, Justice, and Equality to the African race. 

The North has poured out its treasures by mil- 
lions, and given of its sons by hundreds of thou- 
sands. Thousands upon thousands have fallen on 
the battlefield, and thousands by disease, while 
nothing has been done by the four millions of 
people, who are the innocent cause of the war, but 
are to reap the benefit of it — their freedom. 
' It is hard keeping the army full by volunteers. 
Conscription is reprobated by many, yet a suffi- 
cient force must be had to subdue the rebellion. 

As a motive to a man to enlist you offer four 
hundred dollars bounty, and thirteen dollars per 
month pay. Why not send recruiting officers into 
Kentucky and enlist every negro you can ? The 
bounty you pay white men will buy the negro, if 
need be, and the wages will pay for his services; 
why not do so in every State ? Thus the money 
that it costs to get a white recruit, would buy the 
negro, make him a soldier and freeman ; aye, more 
than this would accrue from it. You would save 
the Northern farmer and mechanic to their friends 
and families, and make them producers rather than 
consumers, 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 127 

You have already proclaimed liberty to the 
slaves in the Confederacy. Why not enlist, arm, 
and discipline them to the fullest extent, and let 
them fight the battles of freedom for themselves? 

Why not compel the officers in command at all 
posts in the Confederate States to secure and arm 
every negro possible — and hereafter make up the 
depletions of the army from the ranks of the 
slaves, the property of the South ? 

Permit me, Sir, to urge the most hasty and 
extensive enrolment, arming and disciplining, a 
body of negroes in the South, and let that robbed, 
despised class share the peril, the labor and fame, 
of obtaining its freedom. Let them fight for it as 
our forefathers did for theirs, and our brothers do 
at this time. 

A negro army is to ultimate this war, and the 
sooner that army is organized, the sooner will the 
sun of peace again shine upon this nation. 

It is due the loyal North, which has done so 
much, to relieve her sons of the peril and labor of 
the army. It is due to the rebellious States to 
confiscate their property, and especially their 
slaves, and make a power of them to conquer 
their owners. 

It is due to justice thus to damage the slave- 
holding rebels, and uplift the chattel negro. It is 
due to the negro race to permit it to take an active 
part in securing its own riglts, its freedom, and 
itself. Sir, your boldest acts as Executive have 
been most approved ; your Proclamation secured 



128 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

half a million votes this fall to the Union cause. 
Bring speedily an army of half a million negroes 
into the field, and thus relieve the Northern free- 
man to that extent from the army, and it will 
secure to the Union cause another half a million 
votes ; and whether you seek or desire fame or 
not, it will give you a renown that will live as long 
as the nation lasts. 

Sir, we have come to the swivel in the chain of 
our national life. Henceforth we are not to run 
in the track of the past. A new life begins here. 
A new history begins here ; the future is to be 
erected upon this present. 

A national life of justice is to be born out of 
this strife, and by "justice" this nation is to be 
exalted. We must have no more national sins to 
reproach us. " Let the dead bury their dead," 
but we must hereof Ur follow justice. 

The true and real tree of liberty is now to be 
planted. The doings of this day, this hour, are 
going into history } into precedents. Future years 
will make a record of these. 

Future generations are to come, and live, and 
read our doings, taking life and impulse of the 
spirit of this hour. God grant us a true national 
V>fe of Right, Justice and Peace. 

I am Yours Truly, 

Thomas Richmond. 
Nov. 18, 1863. 

My Friend : — I was with you at the time you 
wrote the letter to the President. It was an 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 129 

improvement upon the rough draft you had pre- 
pared, and is satisfactory to me. 

The manner in which I operate upon the Presi- 
dent, is by using you a^ a means ; first, by appeal- 
ing to his reason through your writing to him ; 
secondly, by using your magnetic system in con- 
junction with his, and thus establishing a sympa- 
thetic relation between the two. By means of 
these electrical and chemical relations I establish 
spiritual magnetic action upon his being. Even 
though he may be unconscious of it at the time 
that I am influencing him, yet the effect has a deep 
hold upon his nature, and as soon as I can make 
his surroundings spiritualized, and act in obedience 
to his interior, then I possess supreme control of 
his mental and physical being. Franklin. 

[Extract from Letter of Nov. 20, 1863.] 
* * * The use of the " circle of three " 
at Mr. Parmalee's in Boston, was to gather mental 
influences, to enable me to use this medium for 
the purposes that I have, and also to carry out 
and aid me in reaching the mind of the President 
and others who hold high positions in your 
national administration. The " circle " served my 
purpose well, and by its means I have accomplished 
all that I first contemplated. The explanation 
which was given you through Mrs. Parmalee at 
the time of the commencement of the circle, was 
nearly the same that I now give, but the influences 
were somewhat mixed, although I disclosed the 
object at the time. Franklin. 



130 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

[Extract from Letter of Nov. 26, 1863.] 

* * * Concerning your national affairs, 
Lean only say that it will be difficult for me at 
this time to describe to you the course of the 
rebellion. It will be some time before you have 
peace, and many important changes will take place 
in the national affairs this coming winter. 

Franklin. 
[Extract from Letter of Nov. 27, 1863.] 

* * * The President has read your letter 
but has had but little time to reflect upon it. He 
will give it his attention soon, and you will be 
directed to write him a^ain in the course of time. 
I cannot say now as it will be necessary for you to 
visit Washington this winter. You will be advised 
about the matter. Franklin. 

. Nov. 30, 1863 
My Friend : — I am with you in the morning, 
and occasionally in the evening. I come to you 
for the purpose of impressing you, and to unfold 
your spiritual powers, and operate upon your sur- 
roundings and magnetic condition, so as to pene- 
trate your interior nature ; it will be but a short 
time before you will perceive the light that will 
illume your being. Should you desire me at any 
time to come to you, and the influences permit me, 
I will be with you in a moment. 

Some spirits are with you always. Spirits per- 
ceive no change in the condition of light, between 
night and day. Spirits that are highly progressed 
require but little rest. However, as a general 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 131 

condition in the spirit world, all spirits have a 
season for rest. Our nourishment is inhaled from 
the atmosphere as our natures require. We do 
not experience the desire for food that you do on 
earth, unless, it is spirits who are not progressed. 
Spirits cannot approach every person, consequently 
all have not guardian spirits. 

The guardian spirits of the members of your 
family are familiar with certain matters, but not 
with all topics, as they are not all subject to the 
same influences, nor are they all on the same plane 
of develop ement. The guardian spirits of your 
household disagree in proportion to the disagree- 
ment of your family. The guardians sympathize 
with your spirits. Not all the persons in the form 
are subject to spirit influence, as some are so low in 
their natures that spirits cannot approach them. 
In proportion to your desires, cultivation, good- 
ness, and mental capacity, so do you attract spirits 
towards you. 

I know something of your correspondence with 
Mrs. A. I think your views upon the subject you 
spoke of, are correct. Mortals are subject to spirit 
control to the extent of their mediumistic capacity. 
In proportion to the spiritual unfolding of the 
beings of earth, do we control the earth — but 
the responsibility belongs principally to your 
atmosphere. We do not measure time as you do 
We have no fall, no winter ; all is summer with us, 
and the fragrance of flowers is more exquisite 
than upon earth. It is every day with us, and the 



132 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

light that illumines the spirit world is far more 
brilliant than the light of earth. The sun and the 
moon are not visible objects to the spirit world. 

Spirits can so influence your system in general, 
that you will not feel the effect of old age, as you 
would were you not subject to spirit influence. 
Your Guardian, Franklin. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

From this last date until June, 1864, 1 received 
no direct communication in writing through the 
hand of the medium, from Dr. Franklin, on the 
subject of the war. During this time he had gov- 
erned my movements in relation to the war entirely 
by impressions made upon my mind, still continu- 
ing to use my brain as a battery upon the officers 
of our national government. I was all this time 
subject to the impressions I received from that 
source in respect to national matters. Notwith- 
standing this, I was constantly corresponding with 
Dr. Franklin upon other matters, during this 
entire period. 

Meanwhile, the medium was engaged in answer- 
ing sealed letters for the public generally. By 
thus coming under the influence of promiscuous 
spirits, in answering their friends' letters, he 
became partially disqualified for the precise wri- 
tings of Dr. Franklin upon the war or science. 

When the preceding lengthy communications 
were written me, all other influences were excluded 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 133 

from the medium, Dr. Franklin keeping him under 
his own special influence. 

From an extended communication upon other 
matters from Dr. Franklin, I give the following : 
[Extract from Letter of June 19, 1864.] 
* * * Governmental matters are going 
on as well as I could wish. The Chief Magistrate 
is becoming an instrument in our hands. Through 
your means I have gained much power over him, 
although the manner in which it has been accom- 
plished may not be apparent to you. 

* * * Consider that it is your organiza- 
tion that is the principal instrument used to bring 
about the greatest good in these affairs. 

Franklin. 
[Extract from Letter of July 13, 1864.] 

* * * You are daily becoming more sub- 
ject to spirit control. You were impressed to 
write to the President, and it is my desire that the 
letter be finished and sent to him. I would have 
you make an effort to assist the poor, as you will 
soon experience most distressing^ times. The 
people of the Northern States have great suffering 
to endure — it cannot be avoided. I predicted to 
you some time since the suffering that the Ameri- 
can people must endure, in order to have a better 
state of things. You are now on the eve of this 
great event. 

You will soon be brought into action. You are 
strong in yourself, and you have powerful aid 
from the spirit world. God is at the helm, and 



134 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 

you are an important instrument to be used in 
carrying the nation through this trying period. 

Wheat and flour will continue to advance in 
price, as well as other kinds of food. I see no 
danger yet in government securities. I think that 
Richmond must soon surrender. I cannot give 
you the exact date. Franklin, 

Chicago, July 4, 1864. 

Abraham Lincoln, President — 

Dear Sir : I 
feel constrained by some irresistible power to again 
address you Upon the subject of our national con- 
dition, and to make a few suggestions. 

Causes, which always produce their natural 
effects, have been in operation, and worked out 
their legitimate results. The necessaries of life 
have advanced to such an extent as to place them 
beyond the reach of a very large portion of the 
poor in our land. 

Until within a few weeks, breadstuff's have 
remained at reasonable prices, but are now nearly 
double the price of six months ago. 

Not only is a terrible suffering of the poor at 
hand, but there is an enormous increase of the 
cost of carrying on the war. All the munitions 
of war and the necessaries of life have advanced 
to fully double their cost at the commencement of 
the rebellion, and there is now as great a tendency 
upward as at any previous time. The army needs 
men, and a call for a large number is at hand. 
The productive resources of the country are 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 135 

diminishing by reason of so much of the produ- 
cing labor being called to arms. 

Great consumption and waste is made by the 
army; besides, there is much labor drawn from 
the fields, to keep this army full — thus, many 
producers are made consumers thereby. 

Now, Sir, what is to be done ? Our gold is 
going out of the country with great rapidity, to 
pay, mostly, for needless merchandise, so we have 
none or little to spare to import the necessaries of 
life. This year's crop in the loyal States promises 
but very indifferently. 

To go on, Sir, as we have gone with our army, 
until success comes, will cause distress at home, 
and create a national debt that we shall be hardly 
able to bear. 

Again I ask, what shall be done ? Shall we 
abandon the war, count ourselves too weak to sub- 
due the rebels ? No, I answer, no ! Prosecute 
the war with greatly increased vigor, and all the 
energy possible. 

We want more fighting men in the field. We 
must have more — but we should not spare them 
from the workshops and fields of the North. 
Taking the 100,000 laborers from our fields for 
one hundred days just in seeding time last spring, 
will tell fearfully upon the productions of the 
country, and the cost of the necessaries of life. 

It appears to me, that were there a disposition 
among the commanders of the army, our supply 
of men might be kept up by the enlistment of 



136 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 

negroes. I beg you to make this a speciality in 
every department of the army, and everywhere in 
the slave States, rebel or not, where there are troops 
to protect them. Place officers friendly to the idea 
to enlist, organize and drill the blacks, and relieve 
our present army as fast as possible, by substituting 
the colored for the white soldier. With a will and 
an energy on the part of the army officers, there 
can be no difficulty in raising a formidable army 
of v colored men, and thus relieving our Northern 
troops to again enter into the producing depart- 
ment of this national service. 

These are my views of what should be done, and 
that, too, with great promptness. 

I beg, Sir, that you will consider that most 
important demands for the necessaries of life are 
at hand, and nothing but more producing labor 
can supply them. 

Experience has proved the negro a good soldier 
— that regiments and divisions can be relied on in 
every emergency. 

An election is approaching. Nothing would be 
more popular or profitable than to give special 
attention and make special effort to fill our deple- 
ting ranks with negroes, as fast as possible, and 
thus relieve our white soldiers, and permit them to 
return to their fields and workshops. 

God and angels favor our cause, but they can 
only do it in the line of wisdom and justice. Do 
we ask Divine aid ? Then let us as a nation and 
people, place ourselves in such a condition that 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 137 

God can aid us, without patronizing inertia y folly > 
or wrong doing. 

When we ask wisdom from God, let us walk in 
wisdom's ways, and when we implore success, let 
us use the means He has given us, wisely, justly ', 
and vigorously. 

Sir, I have barely touched upon leading* points, 
to call your attention to them, and will not occupy 
your time with arguments. 

I am Most Truly Yours, 
■-'■ Thomas Richmond. 

Haemonia, Aug. 4, 1864. 

Thomas Richmond — My Friend: I am by 
cords of attraction drawn to you. I come to 
strengthen and give to you more light upon this 
subject of spirit communion. Stand up before the 
enemies of truth, hurl defiance at them, bid them 
come on and draw their weapons, and see whose is 
the better tempered. Tell them yours is the blade 
of truth — truth forged in heaven, and that there 
is not a weapon carried upon this earth which can 
turn its keen and strong edge. So you shall find, 
my friend, if you stand before the world and draw 
this weapon, and let your banner float on the 
breeze, though all the world advance to crush you 
where you stand, they will melt away before you 
like the snow in the spring morn, leaving your 
pathway clear and pleasant to travel in. 

Such is the poz er of real, heaven-horn truth ! 
The time has come when you should present your- 
self and the truths that you have obtained, to the 



138 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 

world, and claim the consideration which is your 
due. I shall be glad to communicate with you 
further. At this time I can say no more. 

Your Friend, 
Daniel Webster. 
Harmonia, Aug. 4, 1864. 

My Friend : — Seek to obtain a high elevation 
of thought, for as thou dost plant on earth, so wilt 
thou seek in spirit life the fruits of thy labor. 
Seek, and ye shall find within God's eternal 
presence the consummation of your perfected 
hopes ; around thee will circle the radiant light 
emanating from the Divine, and reflected from thy 
crown unto the boundary of the universe. Every 
angelic spirit will know thee, and buds, blossoms, 
and flowers will hail thee as the one who sought 
the high and holy spheres of the spirit world. 

Thy Friend, Wm. Penn. 

The two foregoing letters came spontaneously, 
without any movement on my part to influence 
them. They are very similar to the character of 
the writers. The first is in the strong, powerful 
language of Daniel Webster's stirring and arousing 
force. The latter partakes of the tender, pater- 
nal, careful, and advisory nature, peculiar to Wil- 
liam Penn on earth. Both of them were of my 
circle of spirits. 

My mother, who had been in the spirit world 
nearly sixty years, wrote me a long letter upon 
spirit life, through the hand of Dr. Farnsworth, 
giving me much practical information regarding 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 139 

that life, its employments and enjoyments. She 
gave me the names of some of my spirit circle 
and guardians ; among them, she named Patrick 
Henry, of Virginia, of Revolutionary fame. Al- 
ways having admired him as a man, a patriot, and 
being charmed with the inspirations of freedom 
and patriotism that fired his spirit and brain in the 
pivotal hour of the American Revolution, I felt 
that I wanted to speak to him and realize his 
spirit influence. 

To effect this, I wrote to him about as follows : 
Chicago, Nov. 20, 1864. 

Patrick Henry — 

My Bear Friend : My angel 
mother informs me that you are one of my guardian 
spirits watching over me, and using me in the 
management of onr national government. 

The great respect I always had for you induced 
me to write you, on learning that you were so near 
to me. I am studying God's works, Nature's 
works and laws, and myself. I see the natural 
man plainly enough, although I know but little of 
his external anatomy. I desire most to learn the 
anatomy of the soul — all its powers, faculties and 
functions. Can you teach me ? 

Yours Very Truly, 

Thomas Richmond. 

He replied to my inquiry through the hand of 
the medium, Dr. Farnsworth, on the same day, 
as follows : 



140 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 

Thomas Richmond — Sir : I am one of your 
circle of spirits who are endeavoring to bring 
about a specific work, and you seem to be an 
instrument in our charge. 

The anatomy of the soul and its functions is a 
profound subject, and in time you shall receive 
knowledge relating to it. 

All power emanates from the brain ; it is the 
center, of power and health. All the organs of 
the brain must be active and perform their func- 
tions, in order that the individual may carry out 
God's intention and be healthy. Disease has its 
origin in the brain. You shall hear from me at 
Length in good time. Your Friend, 

P. Henry. 
In a lengthy communication upon various topics 
received on the 29th of August, 1864, Dr. 
Eranklin writes the following upon governmental 
affairs : 

My Friend : — I think government bonds are 
safe ; at least, more so than your currency — (the 
promiscuous issues of the banks acting under 
State laws.) I think Lincoln will be re-elected. 
There is danger~of physical strife at Chicago, yet 
it may not occur. 

The result of your present war will be to lib- 
eralize humanity, and make it more truly pro- 
gressive, and be the means of establishing a new 
religion upon earth, and bringing its beings nearer 
to God and His laws. The old will be done away, 
a new temple will be erected that will reach to the 
gates of heaven. * * * Franklin, 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 141 

The communication from which the above was 
extracted, was written during the session of the 
Democratic convention in this city. Persona 
residing in Chicago at the time will remember the 
great peril we were in, and the deep apprehension 
of the people touching the presence of so many 
rebels. The part referring to government bonds, 
and the re-election of Mr. Lincoln, was in reply 
to my letter of inquiry to him on these points. 
The rest of it was written by his own prompting. 

This letter was indited at Battle Creek, Michi- 
gan, and sent to me by mail, the medium then 
being at that place. 

Nov. 6, 1864. 

My Friend : — There is much excitement in the 
world around you, and I fear an outbreak in your 
midst, which will cause much suffering. I think 
it prudent for you to fortify yourself against any 
uprising of the people, or of the rebels who are 
now numerous in your city. I will be more defi- 
nite with you as soon as the excitement is allayed, 
and other matters adjusted. FranMir 

[Extract from Letter of Nov. 11, 1864.] 
* * * There is yet much excitement in 
the political world, and I fear an outbreak. 

"We are now giving the most of our attention ta 
national matters. "We shall give you our instruc- 
tions when conditions are all prepared. It is best 
that you read matters of a general character only, 
to the family. Franklin. 






CHAPTER XIV. 

From November up to the following date no 
written message came to me from Dr. Franklin, 
through the hand of the medium, upon the subject 
of the war. 

There were no new measures to be pressed upon 
the administration. All that were designed by 
the Spirit Congress in the management of the 
war, had been given to the President, and urged 
with great force, repeatedly. 
) Congress had provided by law all necessary 
means for the present condition of things. The 
great necessity was to carry into execution the 
measures already presented to the administration. 
Dr. Franklin was able to impress my mind to do 
all that was necessary, while he was using it as a 
battery, as he has described, upon the executive 
department of the government, invigorating its 
action. 

In the meantime the medium was doing an 
extensive and successful business answering sealed 
letters for all who sought correspondence with 
spirit friends, in which he generally gave great 
satisfaction, he residing in the family with myself. 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 143 

Dr. Franklin could control the medium when near 
me, much better than elsewhere, and could impress 
me more forcibly when I was in his sphere ; and 
consequently, at Franklin's express desire, we 
lived in the same family and condition during this 
period. 

May 18, 1865. 

My Friend: — Abraham Lincoln is with us. 
We had the knowledge that he would be assassi- 
nated. His mission upon earth was finished. He 
was prepared to make the change, and it was best 
and in order that he passed on to higher condi- 
tions. He recognizes your condition and relations 
to him, and the means used through you, to 
control him. 

He desires to communicate with you. He came 
to Mrs. Lull, on the second day of his assassi- 
nation, through your " circle of three." * * 
You are to hold an interesting correspondence 
with him, and also be the means of assisting his 
wife. Your Guardian, Franklin, 

On receipt of the above communication I wrote 
to Mr. Lincoln, asking a number of questions 
touching his administration, and knowledge of 
influence from the spirit world, through myself 
and others, and received the following reply. This 
was about forty days after his death. 

May 25, 1865. 

My Friend : — I shall not be able at this time 
to answer your letter in detail. I did receive your 
letters while in Washington, and they exerted an 



144 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 

influence upon me. I was governed much in the 
management of national affairs by direction from 
the spirit world. 

I perceive now that you had a great influence 
upon me. As soon as I have more power to com- 
municate, I shall be happy to, as I desire to say 
much to you. Your Friend, 

A. Lincoln. 
Chicago, Aug. 24, 1865. 

Abraham Lincoln — My Esteemed Friend: 
Your favor of May 25th was duly received ; you 
thought you would write at greater length at some 
future day. 

Please tell me what influence was brought to 
bear upon you while President ; explain as far as 
possible how it was done. 

Were your thoughts drawn to me at all ? Was 
it my influence upon you that induced the procla- 
mation ? Was it my influence that led to the 
measure of arming the negroes ? Was mine the 
influence that prompted the removal from com- 
mand of the officers who did not choose to fight ? 
Were there other medium channels through which 
the congress of spirits influenced you ? 

Do you think that the rebel States will come in 
good faith into the Union, and co-operate with the 
North, and make a happy nation ? 

Are you aware of the " circle of three " viz., 
myself, Mrs. P. and Mrs. L., organized in Boston, 
December, 1861, after your first election ? Has 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 145 

that." circle" been of any benefit to you during 
your life on earth ? Truly Yours, ( ' 

Thomas Richnondi 
Boston, Sept. 6, 1865. 

My Friend : — I cannot at this time explain 
the manner in -which our influence was brought to 
bear upon me through you, while I was President,* 
but my thoughts were drawn to you, and upon the 
letters you sent me. By them I was led to the 
measure of arming the negroes, and the removal 
from command of officers that chose not to fight. 

There were other channels through which I was 
influenced, but the governing influence came 
through you and your "circle." 

In time the rebel States will come in good faith 
into the Union. 

There is more that I would like to say, but can- 
not now. I will communicate soon again. 
Truly Your Friend, 

A. Li?icoln. 

Two days after Mr. Lincoln was assassinated, 
he came to Mrs. Lull, one of the "circle of three " 
above referred to, and was recognized by her, and 
talked with her. About forty days after his assas- 
sination he wrote me his first letter, and about 
four months from that time the above letter was 
written. 

With so little experience and practice he could 
not hold the medium under control long, conse- 
quently these two letters were very brief. Near 
the close of this book a lengthy and very intelli- 
gent letter will be found. 



146 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 

The first American spirit acquaintance I made 
after resolving to investigate Spiritualism, wa» 
that of John Quincy Adams, known as the " Old 
Man Eloquent," ex-President ; and for several 
months of my earliest investigation he was my 
teacher, as before related. 

This early spiritual acquaintance led us into 
correspondence through Mr. Farnsworth, the 
medium, as well as Mr. Spear. 

The two following items are notes appended to 
somewhat lengthy communications from Mr. Adams 
to me, and at the dates named. They are spon- 
taneous expressions of his thought. 

[Extract from Letter of Aug. 19, 1865.] 

* * * You have already served an impor- 
tant mission to your country by giving spiritual 
assistance to Mr. Lincoln, as spirits through you 
controlled him as they desired. He is now 
conscious of your real position, and in him you 
have a strong spirit friend, who will afford you 
much comfort. 

Your Friend and Guardian, 

J. Q. Adams 
[Extract from Letter of Sept. 27, 1865.] 

* * * You are not used directly to acl 
upon the President as formerly, but Lincoln 
through you, still has an influence in the gov- 
ernment. 

We wish franchise extended to the negro, but 
the time has not quite come for women to have the 
right extended to them. Your Guardian, 

J. Q. Adams, 



CHAPTER XV. 

In the years 1865-6, I had few written commu- 
nications from Dr. Franklin through the appointed 
medium, upon the subject of our national matters. 
Several reasons existed why he did not communi- 
cate as formerly. 

First, the medium was seldom in proper condi- 
tion for control and use ; second, the rebels had 
been subdued. Mr. Lincoln had been assassi- 
nated, and there were no active measures going on 
during this period. My brain, however, was open 
to impressions to the extent of Dr. Franklin's 
desire to communicate. 

Early in November, 1865, 1 had a violent attack 
of erysipelas, and my life was barely saved. This 
illness controlled my physical movements until the 
May following, during which time I was mostly 
confined within doors. 

This was my condition during the sitting oi 
the Congress of the winter of '65-6, the first 
session after the rebels were subdued, and had 
laid down their arms. 

During this session of Congress the work of 
reconstruction was agitated. Many plans and 



148 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 

projects were suggested. Much argument and 
debate was held in both Houses ; bills were intro- 
duced and resolutions offered. The matter was 
thoroughly agitated and canvassed, butno definite 
settlement of principle or conditions of the return 
of the rebel States to the Union, was agreed upon. 
f ~ Dr. Franklin required me in my sick room to 
keep well informed on all public matters, and 
especially to be posted with regard to each day's 
doings in Congress, which I did, to the best of my 
opportunity. Being physically much exhausted, 
and having no business on my mind, my brain was 
very impressible, and I was somewhat clairvoyant, 
so that Dr. Franklin was able to impress me to do 
things without resorting to the medium. Thus, 
my directions came through my own organism 
principally. He had ^11 along urged me to trust 
my own impressions, as he preferred to come direct 
to my own brain and understanding, as far as 
possible, rather than to use a medium's. 
L From day to day, as I read the action of the 
administration or the Congress, Dr. Franklin 
would say to me, write to this or that person, 
point out the error of that plan, sentiment, or 
principle ; or he would direct me to encourage and 
strengthen this one or that, as the case might be, 
always giving me confidence that there were spirits 
to accompany the letter, and give it force and 
power upon the party written to. I felt assurance 
too, that Dr. Franklin would guide my mind to 
say the exact thing intended by the spirit con- 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 149 

gress, and felt no anxiety about the matter or style 
of my letters. 

During that session of Congress I wrote nume- 
rous letters — amongst them I addressed the fol- 
lowing persons : President Johnson, Senators Sum- 
ner, Wilson, Yates, Trumbull, Howe, Sherman, 
Fessenden ; and of the House, Thaddeus Stevens, 
Bingham, and many others. Sumner, of the 
Senate, and Thaddeus Stevens, of the House, 
were the leading Radicals — the magnates of right 
and justice to the negro race. 

These were all written by impression, and were, 
no doubt, instruments in the hands of spirits to 
prevent any reconstructive measures from being 
adopted at that session, or at any time, until, by 
these influences, the congressional mind had been 
made radical enough to pass in laws the radical 
and just measures that had been determined on 
and adopted by the spirit congress. 

Dr. Franklin gave me assurance that there 
should be embraced in the general measures of 
restoration to the Union of the rebel States, per- 
fect equality to all — the same right and justice 
to the black man as the white ; and that no recon- 
structive measure should ever become a law that 
did not carry in its train the sublime principle of 
equal and exact justice. Nor did I fear or 
tremble, for 1 knew that Grod had taken this 
American nation in hand, and however wicked or 
corrupt individuals might be, He would never per- 
mit a restoration and union of the States, until all 



150 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 

distinctions as to rights were removed, and exact 
equality, freedom aud justice to all should be se- 
cured and become a fixed principle in the Constitu- 
tion and supreme law of our nation. In the words 
of General Jackson, "God has had His own way." 
• " He has made the people willing in the way of 
His power." The grand principles that have been 
forced through Congress were above the sentiment 
and principles of the individual members at this 
time. In some other part of the book I will show 
more fully the working power of the invisible world 
as manifested in producing these grand results. 
[' The great work for which the rebellion wa3 
instituted is accomplished, but not the whole work, 
of the nation in the distribution of justice. 

There must be equal rights, equal freedom, and 
equal justice extended by our laws, to the mothers, 
the daughters and the sisters of the favored and 
enfranchised. 

\ Why should this be denied or delayed ; why not 
do it now and cheerfully, rather than linger and 
have it wrenched from us by long labor and pro- 
tracted effort ? God and the angel world are 
pledged to extend the freeman's right to the women 
of the land. The only question is time. 
[Extract from Letter.] 
* * * It will not be out of place for me 
to go back to your early experiences in spirit com- 
munion, as all that we have to say to you must 
appeal directly to your reason, and be given to 
you upon the plane of your comprehension, in 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 151 

order to benefit you, or instil into your being the 
wisdom and power that is intended. Many years 
ago, before Spiritualism was thought of in the 
United States, you were selected by an assembly 
of spirits, for the specific object of establishing a 
change in society and organizations, which required 
reformation. 

You were selected for this purpose because you 
possessed the elements of mind and body which 
could be acted upon by the spirit world to develop 
great reforms. I was the principal agent in pro- 
ducing the first manifestations to the people of 
America. 

As soon as I entered spirit life, I found that I 
had been prepared during my experience upon 
earth, for my mission to open the channels of com- 
munication to the beings of earth. I 

You were selected, and since the selection con- 
ditions have been prepared for your development, 
and all has passed along in order, with the excep- 
tion of some apparent failures, and even these 
disappointments have resulted in your good. 

I wish you to consider that spirits in communi- 
cating have much to oppose, and that we cannot at 
all times do as we wish ; but notwithstanding this 
opposition, there is a power behind all this, that 
accomplishes its first design, and if we but act up 
to the best conditions, these adverse influences 
will strengthen, illuminate and beautify the spirit, 
and make the mind more determined to surmount 
difficulties and accomplish the object. 



152 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 

We have found in you from the commencement 
the spirit of determination, and it has attracted 
towards you many wise and bright spirits, and 
every day of your existence develops powers 
within yourself, and these are continually forming 
guards around the external avenues of your being, 
to protect your spirit from the contaminating miiL* 
ences of earth lifr. * * Your action is the 
result of will, or of youv concentrated thought ; 
and to seek for knowledge in the right direction, 
would be to turn within yourself to the thoughts 
which cause your action. Iranklin. 

[Extract from Letter of Jan. 8, 1866.] 
* * * What we ask of you is to aid us 
by exercising your judgment, and act in concert 
with us, in arranging external conditions. 

Concerning the papers in relation to the Uto 
civil war that you have received, it is our design 
to have them published, and we would like t> hctve 
you arrange them for publication. I think that 
Mr. Lincoln will be able to control this medium, 
and give you interesting papers to be added to 
them. Your Guardian, 

Franklin. 

The foregoing is an extract from a lengthy letter 
from Dr. Franklin, touching various subjects that 
had been a matter of correspondence between us, 
and which at some future day will be issued under 
its proper title. This suggestion of collecting the 
papers, and selecting the passages relating to the 
lite civil war, from the numerous communications 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 153 

I had received from, spirits, was the first intima- 
tion I had received that he proposed publishing 
them. i 

Had this intention of Dr. Franklin's been 
known to me from the commencement, I should 
have kept a diary of events — made a record of 
transpiring things, and the impressions given me 
from time to time, which governed my action and 
sustained my faith, inducing my personal services 
and expenditures of money. I should have intro- 
duced a great number of deeply interesting and 
wonderful incidents, which now have too far es- 
caped my mind for intelligent rehearsal. Doubt- 
less, however, it is better as it is. The wisdom 
above has governed it in the light of the Divine" 
Mind. 

Chicago, Jan. 23, 18.66. 
My Friend: — Although I am not now con- 
nected with your spirit circle, I have knowledge 
of your " circle of three." It was formed through 
spirit promptings and influences, for the purpose 
of aiding in national affairs, Dr. Franklin, Adams 
and Washington, being the controlling spirits. 
Their motives were to produce influence through 
you, by means of the circle, upon President Lin- 
coln and others high in office, to sustain them 
through the conflict, and to abolish slavery. All 
this has been accomplished, you being an impor- 
tant instrument in the hands of the spirit world 
to bring it about. Your letters to Lincoln had 
the desired effect upon him. I trust that you have 
a copy of the letters you wrote him. 



154 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 

My friend, it would give me much pleasure to 
speak in detail upon this important matter of your 
use as an instrument in the hands of the spirits 
controlling you, and also of national affairs, and 
the future destiny of your people, but the condi- 
tions of the medium will not permit me. I think, 
however, before you have the matter all arranged 
for publication, I shall be enabled to give you 
several papers. Your Spirit Friend, 

Daniel Webster 
Jan. 24, 1866 

3Iy Friend : — It is best that you have pub- 
lished all of the communications relating to the 
late war. 

Others which you have received, that came from 
the congress of spirits, I do not deem best to have 
published with the war communications, but they 
are to be held in reserve for a future book. It 
would be my highest pleasure to give you a full 
communication relating to this late war, but at 
this time the medium is not in condition. Dr. 
Franklin is arranging matters so that he, myself, 
and other spirits, may communicate in full upon 
the subject through this medium, so that you may 
have more for publication. 

Your Friend, 

J. Q. Adams. 
Randolph, Mass., Feb- 7, 1866. 

My Friend: — I have now arranged all the 
conditions so that the spirits whom you have re- 
quested to answer your letters may be enabled to 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 155 

control the medium. I hope in the course of a 
few days to have him in condition, so that Adams 
and other spirits will be enabled to communicate 
to you at length, that you may have their papers 
published in your book of the war. 

Your Guardian, Franklin, 

Randolph, Feb. 9, 1866. 

My Friend : — The following spirits, Napoleon, 
Joan of Arc, Josephine, Marie Stuart, and An- 
drew Jackson have all been present, and controlled 
the medium to their best ability. Of course, they 
could not say all they desired, but they think they 
have given sufficient to prove to you and others 
that they controlled Miss Barrett, and that the 
communications you have received, came from 
those spirits. 

Owing to conditions not being wholly fit at the 
time when their communications were given you, 
due allowance must be made. The conditions 
to-day are not as good as need be, in order to 
transmit all that is desirable. Nevertheless all 
that you have received and will receive to-day, 
proceeds from the persons in spirit life whose sig- 
natures they bear. Your Guardian, 

Franklin. 

The aoove paper and the one next previous, 
will show conclusively, that Dr. Franklin took 
charge of the medium and fitted him as well as the 
spirits using him for these communications, and 
that he superintended them. It is interesting to 
contemplate this movement. I addressed my 



156 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 

letters of inquiry to the parties named. Dr. 
Franklin having ordered the papers on the war 
collected and published, and knowing that I had 
written those parties for these test answers, 
entered at once into the object of it, and being an 
expert in preparing mediums, and communicating 
with earth, fitted and prepared the parties for the 
work, saw it accomplished, and certified to it by 
letters. This is just like him. 

Chicago, Jan. 25, 1866. 

Andrew Jackson — My Friend: A letter 
written in August, 1862, through Miss Barrett, of 
Manchester, N. H., bearing your signature and in 
your style, reached me. I am now, by advice of 
Dr. Franklin, gathering such communications and 
extracts as have come to me from spirits, con- 
cerning the late civil war. Will you please write 
me what was the object and subject of that letter ? 
My aim is to collect such a mass of testimony as 
will be convincing to the religious mind, that God 
brought about the civil war in this way in order to 
abolish slavery, and as a just retribution for the 
sins of the nation ; th^t spirits under favorable 
circumstances do communicate with persons on 
earth ; and that there is an active commerce going 
on between the two worlds. 

I am Your Friend, 

Tho. Richmond, 
Randolph , Feb. 8, 1866. 

My Friend : — God brought about the late civil 
war. Justice demanded that American slavery 
should be forever abolished. Praises be to God 






GOD DEALING WITH SLAVEEY. 157 

He has had His own way. It could only be 
brought about by the shedding of blood. You 
have served an important mission in the hands of 
God, in the affairs of your nation. I communi- 
cated to you at the time you refer to. It is not 
necessary for me to tell you your mission, or by 
whom you were appointed, as it has been given you 
from several sources. 

The truth will sustain you. You are right. 
Your Spirit Friend, 

Andrew Jachson, 
Chicago, Jan. 25, 1866. 

My Bear Friend Josephine : — • A short note 
reached me in August, 1862, bearing your signa- 
ture, written through the hand of Miss Barrett, 
of New Hampshire. Did you write or prompt 
that letter ; if so, state what was the occasion of 
it at that time, and why addressed to me. 

If I had a mission to perform in regard to the 
subject of it, please state what it was, and by what 
authority I was appointed, and if I have thus far 
filled it. Dr. Franklin advises me to publish the 
communications from spirits, touching our recent 
civil war and my instrumentality in the premises. 
Please reply at your earliest convenience. 
Sincerely Yours, 

Tho. Richmond, 
Randolph, Mass., Feb. 9, 1866 

My Good Friend : — I communicated to you at 
the time you refer, upon the subject of the war. 
My object was to inform you of your mission. 



158 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND.^ 

You were selected by a circle of spirits, whose 
names have already been given to you. You have 
fulfilled your mission nobly, and have been faithful 
to your charge. It would be my pleasure to say 
more, but I cannot further control the medium 
Your Friend, Josephine. 

Chicago, Jan. 25, 1866. 

My Dear Friend Mary Stuart : — In August, 
1862, nearly four years since, I received a short 
letter with your name attached, through the hand 
of Miss Barrett, of New Hampshire. 

Will you please say whether you were the author 
of that letter, and what circumstances or condi- 
tion prompted you to write it. Please state why 
it was addressed to me, and if any action was 
desired on my part by spirit friends, what mission 
I had, and by whom appointed. That note of 
1862 and the one you write in reply to this, I 
shall publish. My object is to obtain matter for a 
book that shall appeal to the religious sentiments 
of the people. Your spirit presence has done me 
much good ; I have felt great satisfaction in it, 
for which I thank you. 

Your Appreciative Friend, 

Richmond. 
Randolph, Feb. 9, 1866. 

My Dear Friend: — I was the author of the 
letter through Miss Barrett. You were an impor- 
tant instrument in the hands of the spirit world, 
to bring about a great result for the good of your 
country. Through the action of your powers the 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 159 

Chief Magistrate of your country was influenced 
to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, and to 
take other measures to benefit your people. You 
were appointed by the congress of spirits. I can 
eay no more now. ; Your Friend, 

: ■' ?- ; - .. ,;- v v ; -•;;•= Marie Stuart. 

Marie Stuart is more generally known as Mary, 
Queen of Scots. I have known for many years 
that she has been a member of the circle of spirits 
Who have had me in charge, and so has Josephine. 
Consequently, I felt quite well acquainted with 
them, and wrote somewhat familiarly. 

I had written them before, and had correspon- 
dence with them on other subjects, and gained 
much instruction from them, touching spirit life. 
My correspondence with these lady spirits has 
been agreeable to both parties, and very instruc- 
tive to me. I am their pupil — they are my 
teachers. It is both their duty and pleasure to 
instruct me, and all mortals whom they can ap- 
proach, and who will receive and can appreciate 
their teachings and friendship. 

Chicago, Jan. 25, 1866. 

My Friend Napoleon : — In August, 1862, 1 
received a paper bearing your signature, from the 
hand of Miss Barrett, of New Hampshire. I 
write you now simply to learn from you if you 
wrote it, and what was your object. 

Yours Truly, 

Richmond. 



160 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 

Randolph, Mass., Feb. 9, 1866. 

Sire : — I did communicate to you at the time 
to which you have reference. I am interested in 
the affairs of your country, and perceived that 
through your agency much good might result to 
your nation. I am, Napoleon. 

Chicago, Jan. 25, 1866. 

My Friend Joan of Arc : — Please write me if 
you impressed Miss Barrett in the summer of 1862 
to write me. I am about to publish the communi- 
cations that came to me on the subject of our civil 
war, from spirits who were interested in the suc- 
cess of our cause. Truly Your Friend, 

Richmond 
Randolph, Mass., Feb. 9, 1866. 

My Dear Sire ; — I remember I communicated 
to you in the summer of 1862, through the medium 
to whom you refer. 

My influence at the time was necessary to 
prompt you to action, you being a medium in the 
hands of the circle who had you in charge. You 
have fulfilled your mission to your country, and a 
great reward awaits you. 

Your Friend, Joan of Arc. 

Some critics may find matter for carping in 
regard to the signature of this last message, " Joan 
of Arc." They will say that this is not her real 
name — that if she had written it, she would have 
signed her name correctly. 

In reply to such criticism, I have to say that in 
correspondence with spirits, they reply in the 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 161 

terms and language we use to them. I addressed 
her " Joan of Arc " — she signs herself so in her 
reply. She is universally written so. I know 
that her name is Jeanne d'Arc. This mode not 
being in general use, I addressed her in the way 
most commonly known. She replies in the same 
Btylp. 

The following letter was written as dated, to 
President Johnson. At this time he had not fully 
determined his " policy," nor had his antagonism 
to Congress and the Republican party developed 
itself so fully as it did subsequently. 

Chicago, Feb. 12, 1866. 

Andrew Johnson — President: I feel im- 
pressed to give you a few thoughts upon the 
unsettled condition of our governmental affairs. 
The crisis through which our country has recently 
passed, the wrongs, the injustice, which heretofore 
existed, and brought upon us this terrible calamity, 
should admonish us that wrong doing only pro- 
duces evil. God cannot give permanent pros- 
perity to a people that ignores justice in its funda- 
mental law. Righteousness only can exalt a 
nation. As we are now about to re-establish a 
national union of States, we must avoid all former 
errors, and lay no unsound materials in the basic 
structure. Let Justice be the corner stone, 
Equality and Freedom be secured to every one. 
Consider, that what is one man's right before the 
law, is every man's right. 

The spirits of justice, right and freedom are 



162 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 

living spirits, and eternal ; any adjustment of the 
union of the States, that is not based upon these 
immortal principles, can only be temporary, like 
rotten wood in a foundation wall. For forty years 
the political elements of the country have been in 
commotion. 

The spirits of Justice and Right have been 
struggling for recognition and acknowledgment in 
regard to the African race, nor could they be 
stayed by bargain or compromise, or any effort, 
until slavery, the " sum of all villanies," was 
removed. Nor can it be stayed until every right 
that the white race enjoys is also extended to the 
colored. In all his rights before the law, and in 
all his privileges, the black man must be equal to 
the white man. 

Sir, heal up the wounded body politic — restore 
the union of the States, upon any principle save 
that of exact equality, and you only continue the 
cause of further strife between right and wrong. 

In or about 1850 Congress " settled " the 
matter by a compromise between right and wrong, 
which only increased the strife by continuing the 
cause, which culminated in the late civil war. 
Justice would not be sold out to slavery. 

Why not give the black man his rights at once f 
God demands it ; the spirits of Right and Justice 
will fight for it until attained. Do right, and have 
peace ; refuse, and have war and strife. Choose 
ye, between them ! 

The acts and, doings of the Administration and 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 163 

government are going into history, and this is an 
important hour. The world is taking note of the 
doings of the men in power of America. 
I am Truly Yours, 

Thomas Richmond. 
• Chicago, Feb. 15, 1866. 

Hon. Charles Sumner — My Dear Sir: I 
am pleased with your course, and your views as 
Senator, in regard to the adjustment policy. I 
fervently hope that you will never modify your 
principle or plan, and never abate your effort, until 
by constitution and law all adult humanity stands 
equal before the law. 

Congress now seems to have the power to hold 
the rebel States at bay, until their constitution and 
laws give justice — the same privileges to the black 
as to the white population. 

Respectfully Yours, 

Thomas Richmond. 
Chicago, Feb. 20, 1866. 

Hon. Thaddeus Stevens — My Friend: Your 
sentiments are right, touching reconstruction ; 
your idea is the highest and truest one. You 
must maintain that position! Maintain that the 
right of the negro is as precious as that of the 
white man. Never come down a whit from the 
lofty principle of equal rights and justice to the 
negro. Make him equal to the white man in all 
his rights, as far as law can make him so. 

You, Sir, have taken this strong ground. I beg 
you to maintain it. I have confidence that you 



164 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 

can carry the most radical measures suggested. 
The people look to you as " a cloud by day, and 
a piljlar of fire by night." Be positive, be strong, 
be firm. Truly Yours, 

Thomas Richmond. 

On the 13th of April 1 wrote to Dr. Franklin, 
as follows : 

My Friend Franklin : — I received your letters 
accompanying those of Bonaparte, Joan of Arc, 
Marie Stuart, Josephine, and Andrew Jackson, 
certifying them to be written by the parties whose 
names are signed thereto. At the same time that 
the above spirits wrote me, in 1862, and in the 
same package, a letter from Isaac T. Hopper came. 
A few weeks since I wrote to Mr. Hopper as I 
did the others, asking a verification of that letter. 
My letter was returned to me by the medium 
unanswered, together with those above, which were 
answered. Please inform me why Mr. Hopper did 
not reply to it ? 

I wrote to Mr. Lincoln, Gen. Washington, Jef- 
ferson, Adams, Webster and others, in one general 
letter. None of them have replied to me. 

Why are not these letters answered ? Is it on 

account of my weak and bad condition when I 

wrote the letter, or my subsequent feebleness ? or 

was it because I addressed them all in one letter ? 

fours Truly, Thos. Richmond. 

May 10, 1866. 

My Friend : — We cannot communicate upon 
these important matters, unless we have the best 
conditions. You were not in good health when 



■■•- 

GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 165 

you wrote the letter, and the medium for months 
has not been in a fit condition for us to control 
him so that we could fully give our views upon 
national affairs ; and we would not attempt to 
communicate unless we could say all that was 
desirable. I. T. Hopper has not communicated 
because he could not gain control of the medium. 
Conditions are being brought about with you and 
Mr. Farnsworth, so that we shall be enabled to 
give the papers necessary to complete your book 
upon the war. 

The medium must not be controlled by other 
spirits while we are giving these communications, 
as it makes his condition too much mixed. As he 
has taken his notice from the public prints, and is 
going into the country, we think we shall soon be 
able to give you all the matter requisite for the 
war book and other purposes. We desire you to 
hold regular "correspondence with him, so as to 
have him prepared for the work in question. You 
must be patient, and" wait the result. 

We are now using our influence at Washington 
through your mediumship. We wish you, Mrs. 
L., and the medium to be in perfect harmony, so 
that we may be able to use greater power for the 
good of your country. Your Guardian, 

FranJdm. 
[Extract from Letter of May 10, 1866.] 
The letter from which this is taken, was 
addressed to myself and another party. 

* * * I am in hopes soon to have condi- 



166 MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 

fcions with this medium, so that the communica- 
tions upon the war can be given for the book. 
Mr. Richmond is being used by spirits to influence 
Congress. Of course we are agreed with him in 
his views concerning national affairs. I am much 
pleased with your arrangement. You can both be 
of great service to humanity, and you are now in 
good condition to be used by the spirits. 

Mr. Farnsworth cannot be used as a medium in 
the manner that he has been for the past year, 
and I think it best to gring him to Chicago for a 
new phase of mediumship, and to be in connection 
with Mr. Richmond, when I shall try to give fur- 
ther communications for the war book. 

Franklin. 
E - Boston, Dec. 12, 1866. 

My Friend: — The medium's conditions have 
been such that I could not communicate to you as 
formerly, although I still consider him the best 
channel of communication that I have, when I can 
get control of him without having other influences 
to operate against me. We continue to use you 
as an instrument for the good of your country, 
and it is in order and best that you should visit 
Washington this winter. It is not necessary for 
you to make a visit to Boston, but as it is best for 
you to take your wife to Vermont, you might stop 
a day or so there. I would like to have you call 
upon Mrs. Parmalee, and talk with her. In all 
probability the medium can make arrangements 
for you to stop in the house with him. As he has 



GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 167 

an invitation to go to Washington you had bettei 
take him with you. I wish you to come together, 
for I desire to complete my communications to you 
upon scientific subjects, and I want him with you 
when in Washington. 

The object of your visit there will be made 
manifest when you arrive. The most favorable 
month for you to go there, is January. * * You 
do all that I desire of you. - Franklin. 



CHAPTER XVL 

In the earliest notice that Dr. Franklin gave 
me of my duties, mission and use, he stated that 
at the close of the year I would be used in re-or- 
ganizing and reconstructing the government. 

The war having been brought to a close by the 
surrender of Richmond and the rebels, the next 
measure necessary was to reconstruct the national 
government. In accordance with this design I 
was instructed to go to Washington and attend 
the session of Congress for the winter of 1866-7, 
and to be there as early as January. In obedience 
to these instructions, I arrived in Washington on 
the 22d day of January, 1867, Mr. Farnsworth 
being with me. I reported myself to Dr. Franklin 
by addressing a note to him and handing it to the 
medium, stating that I was ready for instruction? 
and service, also requesting him to call the atten- 
tion of the spirit of Dr. Rush to the bruise that I 
had received. 

On my way there I had bruised one of my 
limbs, and having had a very dangerous attack of 
erysipelas a short time before, arising from a simi- 
lar bruise, I was much alarmed about it. 



170 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

Washington, Jan. 23, 1867. 

My Friend : — I am very happy to have the 
opportunity of communicating to you in this city. 
All the spirits who have been the leaders of your 
country are so yet, and are assembled here ; and 
it i« here that we can use your powers to the best 
advantage, for the benefit of the nation. We wish 
you to be in the House of Representatives and 
Senate Chamber as many hours each day as cir- 
cumstances will allow, and mingle with the mem- 
bers, so that we may diffuse an influence through 
your organism, and thereby exert a power upon 
the entire Congress. 

Make manifest to those you come in contact 
with, your impresssions. Speak plainly all the 
thoughts that will be given you. 

This is a severe ordeal that the nation is passing 
through ; you have been prepared for the work 
before you. 

Let nothing change your course, as much 
depends upon you, and you will be held respon- 
sible. Concerning the medium and your boarding 
place, you have not the most favorable conditions 
for receiving the influences that we aim to impart 
to you both. It would be better for you to take 
your meals in a more quiet manner. To be alone 
while eating, would be the best condition for you, 
or to eat with persons whose belief and sympathies 
are congenial. 

We do not like the atmospheres connected with 
your rooms. However, they will do until you 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 171 

have time to procure a better place. It is the 
intention of the circle to have you remain here 
some weeks, and possibly months. The length of 
time is not yet decided that the medium will 
remain, as he will be uneasy and unfit for writing 
unless he receives pecuniary support. We will 
endeavor to impress you both so that you may get 
rooms and board better suited to your condition. 
It is best that you and the medium sleep apart, 
and in separate rooms, if possible. 

By sleeping together your magnetisms become 
too much assimilated, and neither of you will have 
the power to carry out that which you are capable 
of doing ; you have separate spheres of action to 
operate in, and should take all methods to be in 
good condition. Consider that your mission to 
this city is for the good of the nation, and is to 
be the means of preventing greater disturbance 
in national affairs. , 

follow your highest promptings. I will com- 
municate each morning, but the medium cannot 
be controlled for other matters now. Write to 
me each day. Your Guardian, 

Franklin. 
Jan. 24, 1867. | 

My Friend : — The religious war is not as near 
at hand as you heard predicted last evening, 
through another medium. There will be a great 
conflict, but I do not apprehend any bloodshed. 
We hope to prevent that, although there is a ten- 
dency to another civil war — still, we think it can 



172 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

be prevented, if the men who now rule in Congress 

are faithful, and remain bold and firm in their 

resolution. 

i There can be no measures adopted which are of 

too radical a nature ! The time has come for 

immediate and decisive action. 

The tyrants of your nation must be subdued. 
There ccan be no ompromises, no leniency shown 
— the time for that is past. 

High Heaven proclaims justice for the down- 
trodden, and we as messengers from higher courts 
are knocking at the doors of your Congress, pro- 
claiming the will of our Chief, and it must be 
obeyed! You, with all other instruments who 
have been chosen and prepared for this great crisis, 
must be firm. 

Be faithful, remain at your posts. Let God use 
you for the good of the nation, and your reward 
will be great. * * * Dean Richmond is very 
desirous to communicate with you, and will soon. 
You can assist him much. 

Your Guardian, Franklin. 

Jan. 25, 1867. 

My Friend : — You have been directed to come 
here by high influences, and will not be permitted 
to leave until your mission is performed ; by keep- 
ing you here, if you understand and follow our 
directions, you will not be embarrassed, but the 
Way will be made clear for you. 

We want you to be upon the floor of the House 
of Representatives when you visit the capitol; 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 173 

but for a few days follow your impressions and 
inclinations, as to when you should make the visit 
to the House. j 

Remember that you have been sent here for a 
great and holy work ; all we ask of you is to do 
the best that lies within your power. 

After your conditions are more settled, I shall 
give more minute directions as to what persons you 
are to hold audiences with, and other matters per- 
taining to your mission here. 

It does not come within my province of action 
to direct you to the most suitable place, but will 
throw influences about you to aid you in getting 
settled. I would like to have you near, or with 
Col. Daniels and wife. There is great importance 
attached to your being here, and I shall be happy 
to r've you the philosophy 'n some of my future 
papers. 

1 r » Rush is of the opinion that you will have 
no difficulty from the bruise if you are careful, 
and do not walk much for a few days. Use no 
poultice upon it, unless it is slippery elm or some 
cooling remedy. Your Guardian, 

Franklin, 
Jan. 26, 186T. 

My Friend : — The rooms at the corner of P. 
and Sixth Streets are not the proper ones, for you, 
and the medium has had it demonstrated to him. 
(This same day the medium had learned that the 
family was rebel, and had furnished an officer for 
the rebel army.) I would like to have you, the 



174 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

medium, and Col. Daniels and his good lady, have 
rooms in the same building, and take board with 
your friend Mott. Cora was sent here for a great 
work ; her mission here is connected with the me- 
dium, and you must all be together as much as you 
can, as you are all being prepared to work in the 
same sphere of action. 

1 Be faithful — do the best you can. Each has 
his part to perform. It is in order for you to meet 
Senator Howard, as some spirits are desirous of 
communicating with him upon national affairs. 
There is no person who can fill your place, or hold 
the same relation to me. I can give you full sat- 
isfaction, but could not give the same to Senator 
Howard, while other spirits can through this source 
and through Cora. * * * Thaddeus Stevens' 
Bill does not cover all the ground. (This was a 
bill for reconstruction.) More radical and deci- 
sive measures must be adopted. The only way 
that the South can be fully subdued, is to take all 
power from their hands. They must be made to 
feel and realize their errors, before power can be 
given them to legislate or have any control over 
national affairs. God will not restore quiet be- 
tween the North and South, until this is done. 
Now is the most favorable opportunity to take 
decisive measures. God has summoned all His 
powers to bring it about. 0, man ! power will be 
given you, if you will but obey your highest 
promptings. 

It will be in order for you to write to John C. 






MESSAGES TO BICHMOND. 175 

Calhoun. Dr. Rush says, "the recovery of your 
leg depends upon your being quiet. There is 
danger if you stand upon it too much. No power 
can protect it if you act in opposition to nature's 
laws. Keep quiet until Monday, and it will be 
much better." Your Guardian, 

Franklin. 

On the 16th of January I was in Boston on my 
way to Washington. I called to see Miss Barrett, 
a medium. Soon she was controlled, and a very 
intelligent spirit announced himself as John 0. 
Calhoun, of South Carolina. I said I could not 
think it was him, for there was no man in the 
form or spirit world, whose political opinions 1 so 
much disliked. He was a slaveholder, while I was 
an uncompromising Abolitionist. ! 

He said he had entirely changed his views on 
that subject, and they were now in perfect harmony 
with mine, and he would be in Washington with 
me, and fire many a shot through my battery at 
slavery. 

After being in Washington a few days I ad- 
dressed a note to him, inquiring if he did speak to 
me through Miss Barrett, in Boston, and if his 
views remained as then expressed. Here is his 
reply : 

Jan. 26, 1967. 

Thomas Richmond — Sir: I have changed my 
political views. I communicated to you through 
Miss Barrett. I admire your sterling moral power 
and practical sense ; you are well adapted to your 



176 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

mission here. Great is your work — spirits will 
give you thoughts and power to carry out their 
wishes. 

Respecting national affairs, Franklin has more 
power to communicate to you through this medium 
than I have, upon national matters. I have not a 
good control of him. 

John C. Calhoun, 

In order that Mr. Calhoun's views upon slavery 
may be more fully established, I copy the following 
from the Banner of Light, it being a communi- 
cation to his friends upon earth, which came 
through Mrs. Conant : 

May 6, 1867. 

" The Constitution and the Union ; or how shall we unite that 
which civil war has separated ? " 

" This is the question that has reached me in my 
spirit home. Those who knew me on earth, who 
are dear to me as friends, have earnestly prayed 
that I would return, giving them advice in this 
matter. 

" It is hardly possible to unite that which is 
exerting from its center a power to disorganize. 
The center around which this nation has rallied 
since that document was formed, is the Constitu- 
tion, and neither North nor South is willing to 
give it up, or to sufficiently amend it, as to make 
it serve the people to-day. How shall we recon- 
struct ? how shall we heal this great, gaping 
wound ? The South utters the cry, the North 
utters the same cry ; and the inner forces that are 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 177 

latent at both North and South, are, it seems to 
me, already pregnant with the answer. 

" It is a fact that souls in individual identity 
and collectively, are perpetually looking toward 
the past, to know how to step into the future ; 
and this is right, for men learn by the mistakes 
they have made, how to conduct themselves in the 
present. 

" To that little group of my friends who have 
called upon me to answer their question, I have 
only to say, the same power by which this civil 
war was inaugurated will reconstruct the Union. 
Was it the unrest of the South? No. Was it the 
radical spirit of the North? No. But it was sim- 
ply the Spirit of the Age, North and South. This 
same spirit, my friends, will teach you how to 
reconstruct, and although you receive the light by 
slow degrees, yet it will come. You shall receive 
it in its fulness. You will know that your Con- 
stitution is not large enough for you. It has 
shielded you in the past, but in your present pro- 
portions you are greater. You have need of 
something more ; and unless the proportions of 
that document are enlarged so as to make it lose 
its original identity, it will not answer for you. 
Your souls are greater and demand greater scope. 
Parchments never grow, but the thoughts of na- 
tions do ; and because they do, parchments must 
be laid aside, and instead of bowing down before 
them as your guide, your God, turn to the Spirit 
of the Age, and that Spirit shall teach you how 
to reconstruct." 



178 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

Washington, Jan. 26, 1867. 

My Friend: — Visit the House and 'Senate, 
also the Committee rooms. Suggest and take all 
means to impress the members with the fact that 
in order to save the country from a civil war more 
sanguine than the past rebellion, active measures 
must be taken. The power must be taken from 
your Chief Magistrate, and Congress must be pre- 
pared for a decisive struggle. More is being done 
by the President and others who are in sympathy 
with him to usurp the powers of your government, 
than you have conception of. 

There is much to be done. Congress must show 
the President that it is prepared, and has the 
power to control, and will be supported by the 
people. It is not best to read these communi- 
cations to any one except such as fully accept and 
appreciate them. 

Go on quietly with your mission, and follow out 
your impressions. It is not best to refer to spirit 
communications to persons with whom you talk, 
but simply make manifest your convictions in a 
positive manner I I desire the greatest good to 
be accomplished. 'Franklin. 

At this time Mr. Farnsworth, the medium, was 
taken sick, and could not be controlled, and so 
left Washington for Philadelphia, where his wife 
was ; but he was unable to be used for some three 
weeks to write, as he remained in an enfeebled 
condition. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 179 

Vineland, Feb. 7, 1867. 

My Friend : — You are doing in Washington 
all that we require of you, and are an instrument 
for the nation's good. I think you had better 
remain there a week or more ; your feelings will 
prompt you when to leave. 

Have more confidence, and be controlled more 
by your impressions. I hoped when the medium 
was in Washington that his condition would enable 
me to write through him. Th^re is no way than 
for him to quit until he regains his health. 

I can write messages to you occasionally, without 
injuring the medium's health. 

All will be well if you but look and consider 
that all things in nature must live out their own 
lives ; no two persons are alike — all have distinct 
missions, and all have separate relations to each 
other. You are an instrument in the hands of 
God, to work out a great good for the nation. 

Persevere then, let your highest promptings 
govern you. High influences will protect and 
give you support. Franklin, 

Philadelphia, Feb. 21, 1867. 

My Friend ; — I wish you to remain in Wash- 
ington as long as you feel at rest and contented. 
We are doing with you all that we anticipated, 
and through you and others are having effect upon 
Congress. The measures Congress is resorting 
to, will lead to more radical and decisive action in 
relation to the South. We hope to carry the 
nation safely through its present difficulties, with- 
out further war. Franklin. 



180 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

Vineland, Feb. 27, 1867. 
My Friend : — It will be best for you to leave 
Washington on tbe 12th of March to come here. 
The medium's condition is such that I cannot 
promise anything while you are here, but in all 
probability I can give you interesting papers. I 
have already accomplished much with you at 
Washington. You have done well — follow your 
impressions and feelings. You have become more 
susceptible and gained much spirit power by going 
to Washington. Do not allow other influences to 
disturb your course, but remain firm in your 
position. Your Guardian, 

Franklin. 

In accordance with these instructions I left 
Washington on the morning of the 12th of March, 
and arrived the same evening at Vineland, N. J., 
where the medium then was. On the morning of 
the 13th the following came to me. 

March 13, 1867. 

My Friend : — You have done well in coming 
here ; you will become acquainted with the place, 
and visit here again. The medium's health is 
improving, and he is being prepared to be con- 
trolled so as to complete the papers upon the 
books. Then return to Chicago. You have done 
well in Washington, but your labors are not com- 
pleted there. When you arrive at Chicago I will 
give you more explicit instructions. Persevere — 
all will be well, and conditions will be so that you 
will receive all that has been promised. 

Franklin. 



MESSAGES TO KICHMOND. 181 

June 23, 1867. 

My Friend : — I want you to be in Washington 
during the extra session of Congress, and mix 
with the members as much as possible. Reside 
again with Mr. Mott's family during your stay ; 
while there, you will receive directions. 

When your work is finished at Washington, visit 
Blue Anchor, N. J. I trust the medium will be 
bo that papers for the books can be given. 

Proceed next to Vermont, and visit the parties 
you feel impressed to. Ever obey your highest 
promptings. Franklin. 

In accordance with the above instructions I left 
for Washington on the 6th of July, stopping a 
few days on the way with acquaintances, at the 
oil wells, in Pennsylvania, and arriving there on 
the 11th of July, at the extra session of Congress. 
I remained until its adjournment. Mr. Farns- 
worth being absent from illness, Dr. Franklin used 
another medium to indicate to me matters he could 
not impress upon my mind. Congress made a law 
just at its close, appointing a Peace Commission 
to treat with the Indians, who were then in a war- 
like attitude. The Bill named the Commissioners, 
for the reason that Congress was unwilling to trust 
the President to appoint them. 

I intended Saturday to leave Washington Mon- 
day, for Blue Anchor. Saturday evening Dr. 
Franklin brought a lady medium to my boarding 
place, and directed me to remain until the Tuesday 
following, and to visit the President's house on 



182 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

Monday, and remain until directed to leave. He 
feared that in President Johnson's ill humor he 
would veto the Bill. He wished me there to be 
used as a battery upon him. I did so — went to 
the White House about 10 A. M., and remained in 
the ante-room until 3 P. M., when Dr. Franklin 
Baid to me that the object was accomplished, and 
I could leave, which I did. I found the next day 
the Bill was signed by the President. 

Sitting with a medium in Washington on July 
16th, whom Dr. Franklin often used to communi- 
cate brief messages to me, I remarked that I really 
wished that I could realize the exact use that was 
made of me by the spirits. Dr. Franklin wrote 
through her hand the following : " Channels of 
communication radiate from you as a center, by 
which we are enabled to carry impressions to those 
minds upon which we would operate. Thus it is, 
you see, that your actual presence is needed. 

" I would say to you, be not hasty in the publi- 
cation of the work entrusted to you. Develop- 
ments are in progress which will tend to strengthen 
the array of facts to be presented." 

Blue Anchor, July 25, 1867. 

My Friend : — Your doings on the road to 
Washington and while there, are entirely satis- 
factory, and you have been of great use to the 
country in going. I did communicate through 
Miss H., and I desired you to remain over Mon- 
day, to see the President. The purpose was 
served ; your influence over the President had its 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND 183 

effect. I desire you to go to Boston by steamer. 
Remain there a few days ; visit Mrs. Parmalee, 
Mrs. Pettie and others, and you will receive com- 
munications while there. Make a short stop at 
Lowell. Visit Daniel Tarbell and other persons in 
Vermont, and places there and vicinity. Spend 
about four or five weeks away. i 

Franklin. 
I had no further written messages from Dr. 
Franklin during 1867. Public matters were pro- 
gressing, and the public mind developing. Every- 
thing of this nature was tending towards a final 
reconstruction of the government, and a return of 
the rebel States to their former places in the 
Union. The President in the meantime was strug- 
gling to defeat the salutary laws enacted by Con- 
gress for the reconstruction of the States and 
government, but to little purpose, nearly all power 
for evil having been taken from him. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

The winter session of Congress of '67-8, com- 
menced and progressed as usual, not much, being 
done until after the holidays. No call was mad a 
for me until the following letter reached me early 
in February, which I hastened to respond to. 

Waterford, N. J., Jan. 31, 1868. 

My Friend : — It is my pleasure to be enabled 
to communicate with you ; I should have done so 
ere this, could I have gained control of this 
medium. I have no directions to give, as the 
spirit influences about you prompt you to act when 
necessary. Your powers are still being used in 
national affairs. 

The " circle of three " still continues, and you 
are becoming developed into a higher condition of 
thought and action, having increased spiritual 
capacity to carry out the important mission that is 
before you. 

All your forces are being drilled and organized 
for effective action. All that is now necessary to 
prepare your powers to march forward, is to have 
your spiritual perceptions unfolded, so that you 
may have a clear insight of your mission. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 185 

You have already gained a knowledge of the 
greater share of the work to which you are fitted, 
yet a clearer spiritual view of all the bearings of 
your mission is requisite, before you can derive 
the satisfaction you crave. However, you progress 
as rapidly as the conditions which surround you 
will admit. 

About the middle of February it will be in order 
for you to visit Washington, and on your way 
there it may be best for you to remain here (at 
Waterford, with the medium,) a week or more, in 
order to get communications. When at Wash- 
ington you will be directed as to your future course. 

Your experience upon the cars was the workings 
of spirit influence over you; a draft was made 
upon your brain to affect affairs at Washington. 

I hope the books will soon be completed. I 
have sought some other medium to communicate 
through, to give the remainder of the papers, but 
I find none answering the purpose, save him. * * 
Again I say, let all your mining operations be ; 
you have more important work before you. Pre- 
pare yourself for your visit to Washington and 
other places in order. Your services are required 
at the capitol. Besides, you will gather much 
information. Should this letter suggest inquiries, 
write at once and I will reply. 

Franklin. 

Dr. Franklin has alluded to an experience of 
mine in the cars. I was returning from a visit to 
the country, and about 2 p. m., thirty miles from 



186 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

home, I was suddenly affected as if a ball had 
been shot from a pistol into my brain. Instantly 
my head was whirling — I felt dizzy and faint. 
I imagined I was fatally wounded ; perspiration 
flowed profusely from every pore in my body. I 
was unable to walk, stand, or scarcely sit, my 
brain was so wild for a time. I soon began to 
feel relief, gradually improving until I reached 
home. I there received magnetic treatment, and 
by the next day all effects had disappeared. I 
addressed my spirit guardian to know the cause, 
and he explained as above. 

On arriving at Washington I reported myself 
to Dr. Franklin by letter addressed to him and 
mailed to the medium at his residence in Water- 
ford, N. J. The following reply came by mail. 

Feb. 28, 1868. 

My Friend: — You were inspired to go direct 
to Washington without stopping here as I had sug. 
gested. Your reason must have told you of the 
importance of going on. I desire you to mingle 
with the members of the House and Senate as 
much as you can, so that if possible, I may through 
your agency, prevent serious troubles to your 
country. 

We hope to prevent bloodshed. Make yourself 
as comfortable as possible ; it would be better for 
you to stop with Mr. Mott, as I can control his 
wife better than any other medium in Washington. 

It is possible that Mr. Farnsworth may be there 
before you leave. However, I can answer your 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 187 

letters to me, through him, promptly, and we will 
hold an active correspondence during your stay 
there. 

It is in order for you to come here after you get 
through in Washington ; then I will direct you as 
to the places to visit ere your return to Chicago. 
At present you will give all your attention and 
strength to Congress. Franklin. 

March 6, 1368. "" 

My Friend : — 1 am not interested in the gen* 
eral legislation of Congress. My labor is confined 
to national justice. The Spirit Congress wish to 
use you, and have you in Congress when matters 
that pertain to reconstruction are discussed. 

The Spirit Congress were present when the 
impeachment of the President was presented in 
the Senate. Washington, Lincoln, myself, and 
others who had influence with your people or had 
held high offices while on earth, formed a circle 
above the heads of the persons in the Senate, you 
being used as our medium to impart influence to 
those who were in power, and to impress them to 
do justice to the people. Your relations to us 
were nearer than any. We could illume your 
being, and through you shed light upon others. 

Andrew Johnson is doing great service to the 
country by forcing the radical party to do justice 
to the negro, yet it is our wish that he be im- 
peached. My object is to have you there nearly 
all the time of Johnson's trial, so that we may 
have more influence over the Senate. 



188 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

I wish you to be in the Senate Chamber as much 
as possible, and have a comfortable seat. Do not 
exhaust your physical forces. Keep lively, and 
be in lively company ; concentrate your thoughts 
upon national matters, but be sure to take time for 
ample rest. 

By observing the above rules, you will be in a 
far better condition to be used by the Spirit Con- 
gress. Your power in the past and at present is 
great, and will have great influence upon the 
nation ; and the time is not far distant when your 
people will have knowledge of the important sphere 
of action you have occupied, and the good you 
have done your country, by your fidelity to prin- 
ciple and submitting yourself to be used by the 
powers of the spirit world. It is not in order for 
me to give coming events. The nation is being 
severely tried, and more is being done than you 
are aware of, by the Democrats, to cause blood- 
shed ; still I think we have sufficient power to 
avert it. Now is the most favorable time to estab- 
lish right and justice to all. 

The radicals will succeed in entirely subduing 
the enemies of the nation, if they make use of all 
the means at hand. But the blow must be quick 
and decisive — no time must be lost. The crisis 
has come ; action, action is necessary ! My work 
with you was never needed so much as now. Write 
me at once. I have more control of you by keep- 
ing in spmpathy with you by writing often. 

Franklin. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 189 

March 8, 1868. 

My Friend : — There is * great danger that 
Johnson will not be impeached (by the Senate.) 
Already the work of bribery has commenced 
amongst the Senators. * * * There is too 
much corruption amongst the members of Congress. 

Remain in the Senate Chamber all you can ; 
obtain an interview with Senator Howard — he ia 
already fearful of the result of the trial. Tell 
him that he can use still greater influence, and 
additional power will be given him from the spirit 
world. I would not give this warning had I not 
good reason for it. 

„ However secret Senators or others may be in 
their corrupt and corrupting actions and doings, 
there is abundant proof that there are living and 
intelligent witnesses to every deed, and although 
concealment may be successful as touching mortals, 
yet all is made public in the spirit world, and the 
deceiver will be undeceived when he meets his 
frauds arrayed against him in spirit life, and must 
meet a just retribution. " Whatsoever is spoken 
in the ear, shall be proclaimed upon the housetop." 

Take good care of your health. I cannot touch 
upon any other subject at present. 

Franklin. 

When I received the last letter, I read it to 
Mrs. Mott. Dr. Franklin controlled her and cor- 
rected an error in it, which I have omitted to 
copy. Often, between his letters to me through 
Mr. Farnsworth, Dr. Franklin would control Mrs. 



190 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

Mott or another lady medium, and give brief 
orders and suggestions, but he could not give gen- 
eral and detailed directions through them, as he 
could through Farnsworth. 
| March 11, 1868. 

My Friend ; — I had very good control of Mrs. 
Mott, and I desire you to read all the communi- 
cations you receive through this medium to her, 
as it enables me to obtain still better control of 
her. In order to realize your use, imagine your- 
self -when in the House or Senate, as being like a 
reflector to a lamp, with small tubes attached, and 
connected with those tubes wires that extend to 
and touch such persons in the House as possess 
sympathetic impressibility. These persons, we can 
influence through your means. I can impress 
Senator Wade and influence him and many others 
through you. As the medium was away from 
home, I could not answer as I desired — and even 
now he is not in his best condition, consequently I 
close. :" " : Franklin. 

! Before receiving another letter from Dr. 
Franklin, I received a communication purporting 
to proceed from highly developed spirits, through 
the hand of J. M. Spear, inviting me to meet 
spirit friends in the form and in spirit life, in New 
York on a given day. I submitted the letter to 
Dr. Franklin, and he replied as follows : 

March 26, 1868 
1 My Friend : — It is not important nor in order 
for you to visit New York to meet Mr. Spear — the 
congress of spirits do not desire it. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 191 

Your mission at present is in Washington, at 
the head of the government. There is where we 
wish to use you most, and where through your 
instrumentality we can accomplish great good. 

Stick to the post until your mission for the 
present is ended. Your powers are needed now 
at Washington, more than at any other time. The 
great national struggle is yet to come. Next week 
will come the trying hour, and it remains to be 
seen, that those who are now on the side of right 
will be firm, and combine their forces. Unless they 
do, greater trials are ahead. There is one impor- 
tant communication I have given, that you haye 
not received. It must be in the P. 0. in Wash- 
ington. Franklin. 

For the past month, and especially for a week 
or so, my forces had been so drawn upon by spirits 
in the House and Senate, that I had become quite 
exhausted, and about 9 in the evening, while chat- 
ting with a group of friends, I suddenly received 
a shock as though a ball was shot into my head. 
I did not fall, but grew wild and dizzy. My 
daughter, who was present, took charge of me. 
This extreme effect gradually gave way, and in a 
few hours I recovered. The sensation was so 
strange that I wrote to Dr. Franklin to know the 
cause, and he replied to me. 

March 29, 1868. 

My Friend: — The shock you experienced war 
in part produced by spirit influence upon you, sk 
as to prevent complete exhaustion of your physical 



192 GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

system. It was necessary to throw this influence 
upon you, or you would have been prostrated by 
sickness. The shock you felt was a favorable 
symptom, showing that you possessed sufficient 
vitality to overcome any disease likely to prove 
serious to you. It is important that you take par- 
ticular care of yourself now, as you are in a very 
susceptible condition. While at Washington, stop 
where it is most convenient, and you can derive 
most comfort. 

By having you in Washington, we have used 
you as an instrument to accomplish great good to 
the nation, and can now exert some influence upon 
Congress, even if you are not present ; but if you 
can remain a while longer without inconveniencing 
yourself, it will be our pleasure. We believe the 
crisis is passed ; nevertheless, there are obstacles 
to be conquered. The party in power are not 
combined, and unless it improves all possible 
opportunities, serious troubles will be the result. 
It does not come in order to speak of your mission 
with Senator Wade ; it will be given in due time. 

Franklin. 
April 6, 1868 

My Friend : — The nation has great dangers to 
surmount. At Washington there is a set of men 
combined, whose aim is to assassinate the leading 
men of the Republican party, and unless great 
precaution is used by the government, there will 
be more blood shed in Washington. These men 
have their victims selected, and are preparing in 
secret to carry out their hellish designs. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 193 

i 

We are using all the influence we can to frus- 
trate the fulfilment of their plans, and to carry 
the government safely through its present trials. 
It is best for you to remain in Washington until 
after the trial of Johnson. Your mission there is 
of more importance than you are aware of. 

Great results will follow. * * * The 
national troubles that commenced in 1860 are far 
from being settled ; there are yet great difficulties 
to overcome, before you can have settled peace. 

God works in a mysterious way. One of the 
important and ruling influences that will establish 
harmony and justice among your people, is spirit 
influence, which has awakened and manifested its 
power among you. As conditions become more 
favorable for good spirits to use the power which 
God has given them, there will be greater power 
used by them, and spiritual science will become 
more general and manifest itself in all the affairs 
of earth. 

You have been selected to operate in govern- 
mental, national, and the social affairs of earth, 
because you were the best fitted to fill the position. 
Others are selected for other departments — you 
have been faithful to your mission. You have 
made great progress, although you may deem it 
slow — but have patience unto the end, and you 
will receive full satisfaction. 

Franklin. 

My prostrated state of health had been such 
that I wrote to Dr. Benjamin Rush, (spirit,) for 



194' GOD DEALING WITH SLAVERY. 

advice and prescription. He said I labored under 
bad cold, congestion of the lungs, and prescribed 
medicine. He said it would not be safe for me to 
stay in the Senate Chamber when it was crowded, 

April 14, 1868. 

My Friend : — Do not exert yourself too far to 
attend the trial ; go only when you feel positive 
and amply able. Take great care of your physi- 
cal system, and rest all you can, for since you 
have been at Washington, you have been greatly 
drawn from. All your physical resources have 
been used, also your mental powers, and now you 
need rest. Wait patiently the result of the trial. 
There is good cause for doubting that Johnson will 
be impeached, but we hope to conquer. 
■ A secret order has its center in New York City, 
and has organizations all over the land. It is 
composed of rebels and adventurers, and Demo- 
crats give them their aid. Unless active measures 
are taken to break up this order — suppress it 
wholly — it will cause a greater war, and more 
bloodshed than the nation has ever experienced. 
It is the duty of Congress to take measures at 
once to crush it oat ; it has selected all the promi- 
nent members of the Republican party for assas- 
sination. These members should be protected — 
they must be made aware of their danger. 

Franklin. 

[Extract from Letter of April 19, 1868.] 
* * * In operating upon other minds, I 
use yours, and I can have more power over the 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 195 

person I wish to influence, if your thoughts are 
concentrated upon him. I have less influence on 
others, when your mind is upon other subjects, or 
wandering. The place where you board is satis- 
factory. Franklin, 
[Extract from Letter of April 26, 1868.] 
* * * I fear these great obstacles will 
not be overcome. There are symptoms of great 
trouble. Stick to your post ; I am with you all 
the time. I can impress you, and your prompt- 
ings will be the best guides for you. 

Franklin. 

Philosophy of Spirit Control. 

May 4, 1868. 
My Friend : — In communicating with tho 
beings of earth, we are entirely dependent upon 
the conditions of the medium and his surroundings. 
There are no two alike — like different musical 
instruments, they all produce melody, but cannot 
be played upon in the same manner. There are 
special laws that govern one medium, which can- 
not be applied to another. i 
We cannot pursue the same subject through 
every medium. Any matter which is intricate, or 
independent of the medium's knowledge, before 
manifesting, we prepare the medium specially for ; 
we cannot give the same ideas through another, 
no more readily than you can produce a good 
growth of corn upon barren soil. Spirit manifes- 
tations are as dependent upon proper adaptation, 



196 PHILOSOPHY OF SPIRIT CONTROL. 

susceptibility, and impressibility of the medium, 
as corn is on having soil adapted to it, or room to 
produce growth. ^ 

Concerning Mrs. Mott, I have very good control 
of her, but I have not the same power over her to 
communicate upon the same subject that I have 
over this medium. * * * I think this expla- 
nation will make the matter clear to your mind — 
if not, I will explain further. 

I said through Mrs. Mott just what I desired, 
and I use her to advantage. All the forces are 
required at Washington. There is great danger 
ahead, but we hope to overcome the enemies of 
the country. Bight must prevail Follow your 
impressions. Franklin. 

[Extract from Letter of May 10, 1868.] 
* * * If Johnson is not impeached by 
tne Senate, come at once to the medium's, and I 
will give you directions. There is much I want 
you to carry out, for your own benefit and that of 
others — the good of humanity. I have impressed 
parties to furnish tickets to the Senate Chamber. 
When it is necessary for you to be there, the way 
has been opened, as tickets will be furnished. 

Franklin. 

'Tis proper to state here that 2,000 tickets to 
the gallery of the Senate were issued for each day 
of the trial of Johnson, by the Sergeant-at-Arms, 
and after supplying the officials, members of the 
House and the Diplomatic corps, the remainder 
were distributed amongst the Senators, according 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 197 

to the constituency they represented. Ten tickets 
were wanted to every one that could be obtained. 
Each Senator distributed to his friends and con- 
stituents as he felt disposed. I had no greater 
claim upon the Senators than others. None could 
enter the gallery without a ticket. They were 
furnished me, as Dr. Franklin promised. 

The day before the final vote was taken upon 
impeachment in the Senate, I wrote the following 
letter to Senator Trumbull, from our State. 

Washington, May 15, 1868. 

Hon. Lyman Trumbull — 

Dear Sir: Under the 
peculiar circumstances of the national government, 
I beg to present to you a few thoughts briefly. 
To-morrow is the day appointed for decision 
touching the innocence or guilt of President John- 
son — whether he has committed high crimes or 
misdemeanors in his office. I am glad to feel that 
you are not publicly committed to vote against all 
the articles of impeachment presented against him, 
and that you may support some of them. 

While I regret that you do not see clearly the 
propriety of sustaining nearly or all the charges 
presented by the House of Representatives, I am 
not vain enough to hope to change your vote upon 
any one of them ; still I shall be better satisfied 
with myself by expressing a few thoughts to you 
upon the subject. 

It is to be regretted that a few Senators, just at 
this most important hour of American life, should 



198 PHILOSOPHY OF SPIRIT CONTROL. 

by their action, not only reverse their own former 
decisions so frequently made by public vote, but 
reverse the universal judgment of the great Repub- 
lican party ; for there is scarcely a Republican of 
intelligence but has already given judgment of 
impeachment against him. Strange now, that a 
few Senators are found who had rather impeach 
themselves, the Senate, and House of Represen- 
tatives, than to impeach the President. 

Who is the President, and why is it such a fear- 
ful thing to find him guilty of a high misdemeanor 
and remove him from an office he has misused and 
disgraced ? Is it any worse for him to be removed 
from office, than it is for another man — a Stanton ? 
Are not removals of some kind of almost daily 
occurrence? Why shudder and tremble before 
this one man, and save him from his just deserts, 
when by so doing you confront and contemn the 
judgment of the nation ? 

If the final vote of the Senate fails to impeach 
and displace Andy Johnson, who will ever believe 
that it is the verdict of honest, conscientious 
judgment? Who that knows Johnson's life, words 
and acts for the past three years, believes that he 
is innocent of all the charges brought against 
him ? Can you, can any Senator , vote him inno- 
cent of all the charges and specifications brought 
against him ? You must not, you cannot spoil 
your good Senatorial record by voting that man 
innocent of all these charges $ 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 199 

I have been proud of our Senator from Illinois, 
whom my vote elected to the Senate some fourteen 
years ago. Truly Your Friend, 

Tho. Richmond. 

On Saturday, May 16th, I sat in the Senate 
during the session. The vote when taken, was 35 
guilty and 19 not guilty ; it required one vote 
more to remove him from the office of President. 
The Republicans who voted him innocent, from 
motives more than questionable, were Messrs. 
Fessenden, Trumbull, Grimes, Henderson, Fowler, 
Ross, and Wiley. As soon as the vote was an- 
nounced, Dr. Franklin said to me, "Now, go direct 
to Waterford, to the medium's house." On the 
18th I arrived there, and reported myself to Dr. 
Franklin, by a note handed to the medium. He 
replied on the next day. 

May 19, 1868 

My Friend : — You did well to come here as I 
f 'red. I told you to come, and you heard my 
a s. I fear great troubles yet in Washington, 
and it is quite probable that it will be necessary 
for you to return there. If you should, it will be 
for some weeks. The medium is in good condi- 
tion. * * * It will be well for you to remain 
here two or three weeks. I think it best for you 
to stay here until I know positively you are not 
needed at Washington. There will be a great 
storm in national affairs yet to encounter, and 
there never was a time when I desired your ser- 
vices more. You must perceive the propriety oi 
remaining here, that I may give you immediate 
instruction 



200 PHILOSOPHY OF SPIRIT CONTROL* 

Take all the rest you can. I desire to Commu- 
nicate to you as often as I can, until matters at 
Washington are more settled, I wish you to 
remain here, Franklin. 

Waterford, May 25, 1868. 

My Friend : — The reason I made a change in 
the winter of 1862-3, by substituting a letter for 
your going to Washington to see the President, 
was, that I perceived you could not at that time 
exert as much influence in an interview as by send- 
ing a letter. Your writing had the desired effect. 
The means used was the influence that we imparted 
to the President through you. Had we failed in 
using you, and in opening the channels through 
which our influence could be felt in national affairs, 
the rebels would have succeeded. The war was 
brought about to do away with slavery — it could 
not longer be permitted. 

The spirit world had its instruments on both 
sides, to excite the people. John Brown was the 
first in the hands of the spirit world to bring about 
the conflict. At present but one step has been 
taken and made permanent towards the freedom 
of the negro and his equal rights. 

I fear the most severe conflict is yet to come, 
before God's commands are faithfully complied 
with by the American people. You are now gain- 
ing much strength and can be used efficiently. It 
will not be necessary for you to go to Washington 
at present. You can go to New York in the course 
of a few days. Go there and remain until you 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 201 

are directed to leave. You will be impressed with 
regard to these matters, and your judgment will 
guide you. * * * * You will go to Boston and 
Vermont before you return to Chicago. * * * 
The medium is too much interested in other matters 
to be controlled as much as I desire. Should you 
wish to leave, write to me at once. 

Franklin. 
May 28, 1868. 

My Friend : — I did communicate to you 
through the medium to whom you have referred, 
Miss Barrett, of Manchester, N. H., in the summer 
of 1862. It is not necessary for me to repeat in 
this letter what has been told you by Dr. Franklin 
and others concerning your mission, and the 
influence that is exerted and impressions made 
upon the administration of your government and 
all national affairs. I belong to the Spirit Con- 
gress, and am conscious of your fidelity to the 
cause in which you are interested. I know the 
importance of your relations to Dr. Franklin and 
the nation, and the power that can be made mani- 
fest through you, upon the leading statesmen of 
your country. 

You were selected from the first for this great 
work by the Spirit Congress, and means have been 
taken by those who have you in charge, to develop 
you for the labor, to answer the requirements 
made by your circle of spirits, as fast as your 
condition would allow. Step by step you have 
progressed in this work, and as your power becomes 



202 PHILOSOPHY OP SPIRIT CONTROL. 

unfolded, new avenues of thought and action are 
opened to you, and you see more clearly the 
responsible position you occupy^ 

You are gathering important papers to be pub- 
lished, but ere the book can be completed, momen- 
tous events of a national character, which you will 
be called to take part in, must accrue. You are 
being fully aimed and equipped for the severe 
contest which is near at hand. Although there 
may be much bloodshed it is God's will, and must 
be obeyed. To purify the nation and remove the 
obstacles which retard the progress of true devel- 
opment — to make all men free and equal — is the 
grand result which we are striving to bring about, 
and you are one of the most reliable instruments 
we have to aid us. 

It is desirable that you mingle with friends, so 
that your powers may be fully alive, and you can 
gather all the physical and spiritual strength you 
can. For a few months to come you will not be 
located long in one place ; you will hold constant 
communion with Dr. Franklin. Abraham Lincoln 
will soon communicate to you — he is with you 
much, but could not communicate to you at the 
time you wrote him, owing to conditions, which 
were unfavorable. 

You are growing more impres c ible and can be 
more easily guided. Continue steadfast to the 
end, and all will be well. 

Your Friend, 1. T. Eopjper. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 203 

June 13, 1868. 

My Friend: — Although I have no important 
directions to give, I communicate that I may keep 
in close connection with you. Concerning nationa* 
affairs, matters are about the same. I am endeav- 
oring to reach Gen. Grant, and surround him with 
influences that will make him more susceptible to 
the Spirit Congress. The hopes of the loyal peo- 
ple are centered in him, and he will prove the pro- 
tector of the American Republic, if his present 
supporters are persevering and remain true to the 
good of the nation. 

There is much to be done to secure his election, 
and yov. will be used to bring it about. That is, 
an influence will be exerted through you to that 
end. I wish before that takes place that you 
would take means to become familiar with him. It 
would be well for you to correspond with him, 
setting forth your mission, and suggesting to him 
that if he will seek and make himself open to 
spirit influence, that a large circle of persons who 
h&ve filled the highest offices of the nation, now in 
spirit life, will aid him in his election, and remain 
with him during his administration. 

Lincoln is not yet prepared to communicate, 
but will at the proper time, both to you and Gen. 
Grant. Take special care of your health, as much 
will be required of you in the course of a few 
months. Franklin. 

On receipt of this communication, I wrote to 
Gen. Grant as requested. I told him that I was 



204 PHILOSOPHY OF SPIRIT CONTROL. 

received a message from Dr. Franklin, of the 
above import. This letter opened a magnetic con- 
nection between Gen. Grant and myself, which 
was available to the use of spirits. 

[Extract from Letter of Nov. 3, 1868.] 
* * * t^ unanswered letter has not 
been received. Soon after Congress meets I want 
you to go to Washington and call here on your 
way, and take treatment from C. 

Franklin. 



CHAPTER XVIIL 

It may excite remark on the part of the curious, 
that the spirits with whom I correspond, and the 
large circle of spirits that surround me, whose 
names I have incidentally given, were persons of 
fame and high standing officially and otherwise, 
when in earth life. Also, that twelve more should 
be added to my circle, of like standing. I have 
onry to answer that it is an arrangement of the 
Spirit Congress in its higher wisdom to best accom- 
plish its designs. Nevertheless, as my mission 
was of a national character, and my powers were 
to be used upon statesmen, in the control and 
management of governmental affairs, it would 
seem perfectly natural that the influence around 
to inspire me, should be of that character. 

Although there was a continual correspondence 
since June kept up between Dr. Franklin and my- 
self, there was nothing essentially different or 
interesting upon the war, or reconstruction of our 
government, until the following communication. 
Waterford, N. J., Jan. 1, 1869. 

My Friend ; — The circle of spirits controlling 
you and the medium are passing through a change. 



206 PHILOSOPHY OB 1 SPIRIT CONTROL. 

There are twelve more to be added to your circle, 
and all will act in full accord with me. During 
this change I cannot communicate at length, as I 
have to let go the position I hold in order that the 
others may act in concert with me. The doubtful 
letter will be satisfactorily explained. You will 
be protected during this change, if you follow your 
impressions and feelings. 

You will be needed at Washington soon ; at 
present, remain where you are, until all the con- 
ditions are ready for you to go forth. Meanwhile, 
correspond with me, and I will answer all that is 
possible. This is from your guardian spirit. 

Franklin. 
[Extract from Letter of Jan. 6, 1869.] 
* * * In arranging a new circle we bring 
more vigorous influences to affect you and the dif- 
ferent mediums we come in contact with. It gives 
an increase of power to you which is necessary, 
and comes in order at the present position of our 
labors. The old circle is retained, new members 
added. By this addition you will be better enabled 
to fulfil your mission. Franklin. 

I arrived on the evening of Jan. 17th at the 
medium's house, after a tiresome ride from Chicago 
of nearly a thousand miles. The day following 
Dr. Franklin gave me the ensuing message. 
' My Friend : — All the original members of 
your circle are still with you. Lincoln, Prince 
Albert, and many others who have recently passed 
into spirit life, have joined the circle, and we are 
nearly prepared to act with you. 



MESSAGES TO BICHMOND. 207 

I think now it will be best for you to start for 
Washington the first of next week. The object 
in having you come here is to have you receive 
magnetic treatment from C. You will also be of 
great assistance to the medium and his lady ; 
changes are about to be made concerning them, 
and you can be the means of assisting their con- 
trolling spirit in making the best arrangements 
for them during their stay here. * * * You 
will perceive the object of your visit here is to pre- 
pare you fully for your work in Washington. 
Write me every day. Franklin. 

Jan. 24, 1869. 

My Friend: — You have made good use of your 
time here, and are well prepared for your work 
in Washington. 

There is a magnetic connection between you and 
Gen. Grant. While selecting new officers in gov- 
ernment, the Spirit Congress requires you to be 
in Washington to use you as a medium, that 
through you, Grant may be influenced to choose 
proper associates and officers. Hence you will 
see the necessity for being there, and the impor- 
tance of your being well prepared for the great 
work. As matters progress there, you will be in- 
formed of your mission and the relations you bear 
to governmental affairs * 

I think Mrs. Mott is the best medium for you to 
consult while there. However, this medium will 
soon be in condition to answer all required pur- 
poses while you remain at Washington. 

Franklin. 



208 PHILOSOPHY OF SPIRIT CONTROL. 

Washington, April 12, 1869. 

My Friend : — Of late your physical forces 
have been used by the congress of spirits, and 
they are not through with you yet. You should 
read but little, as all your mental powers are 
required at this time, for high uses. C. is suited 
to you, and is the instrument we desire. Changes 
will occur, so that the medium will have the con- 
ditions to be controlled to write the remainder of 
the book. When it is time for you to go to Chi- 
cago, you will feel the importance of going. 
During the summer you will visit New England 
and other places. Your journey to Chicago is 
simply to attend to taking testimony in your case, 
and then you will return here. 

Franklin. 
April 12, 1869. 

My Friend : — It is best that you leave to- 
morrow morning for Chicago. Get through with 
your business there, and return here as soon as 
possible, as you are required here by the Spirit 
Congress. Your mission here is not completed ; 
your influences are required here for two months 
to come more than at any time before. We wish 
through you to work a positive influence upon the 
Chief Magistrate, and when you return, you will 
be brought in close contact with him. You will 
perceive the importance of your mission, and do 
your best to do as we wish you. I want you to 
think of Grant, the President, all you can. Think 
of him when you first wake in the morning ; it 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 209 

will assist us in getting at. influence over him, to 
exert for the nation's good. 

Franklin. 
April 15, 1869. 

My Friend : — In using you as an instrument 
to excite the brain and influence others, we resort 
to the natural laws of magnetism. We apply the 
same process of operating upon you as the human 
magnetizer does upon his subject, the person who 
holds a negative relation to the operator. When 
the physical and mental circulations are equalized, 
you are in good condition, all the organs perform- 
ing their functions in order, giving a harmonious 
action of your being. Then the nervauric emana- 
tions from your being give us the material to act 
upon. Each organ of your being produces the 
quality that it is composed of in the nervauric or 
spiritual sense ; that is to say, we have an indi- 
vidual, a spirit being, a facsimile of your being 
as you now exist to operate upon, in the same man- 
ner that the human magnetizer does upon his 
subject. 

We inspire you to think of some person whom 
we wish to influence through you — this throws 
your emanations or spirit in contact and sympathy 
with him. The action of your spirit is in con- 
junction with this person, which gives us for the 
time being control of his thoughts, and we have 
the power, being positive to you and him, of regu- 
lating and shaping those thoughts, and originating 
in his mental atmosphere new thoughts, aspirations, 



210 PHILOSOPHY OP SPIRIT CONTROL. 

and resolves. In other words, your mental and 
physical emanations form a battery, and your 
thoughts are electrical wires radiating to those 
we wish to influence. Your thoughts serve as a 
vehicle by which we send our thoughts ; thus you 
perceive that we act upon the universal laws of 
electricity and sympathy, to control you, and 
impress and inspire others, through your ner- 
vauric emanations. 

When in earth life I learned from experiments 
the natural laws of material or galvanic electricity, 
but I did not perceive or comprehend the electrical 
emanations from the human brain, or electricity so 
subtile as to escape the senses, yielding chameleon 
like and susceptible of endless diversities, a condi- 
tion where the machinery of life is laid open to 
our gaze — a condition of the brain concentrating 
a degree of excitement which makes that organ 
predominate over all others — a condition where 
the machinery of life lies naked, to be regulated 
and controlled at will, where a thousand results 
can be obtained, which no material electricity 
could effect. 

Comparatively few scientific men of your day 
are willing to fully recognize the fact that the psy- 
chological emanations of our minds are capable of 
affecting those of others, either by contact or 
proximity — but the phenomena of contagious 
diseases are so frequent and so indisputable, that 
no intelligent man ventures to deny them. 

Franklin. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 211 

April 22, 1869 

My Friend : — You are having an influence 
upon Grant — continue to think of him. If cir- 
cumstances do not favor your return here at an 
early date, it may not be important for you to 
come until autumn. 

I shall help you in material matters — have no 
fears. Give attention to your suit, and as much 
time to national affairs and Grant, as you can 
spare. Write often. Franklin. 

I left Washington as directed on April 13th. 
I was interested in a very important lawsuit in the 
U. S. District Court at Chicago. An unexpected 
notice reached me that testimony would be taken 
on a given day, and that it was important that I 
should be there. It was to be present at the taking 
of this testimony that I returned, supposing that 
it would require but a few days, when I intended 
to go back to Washington ; but the delay was so 
great, I did not return then. In June I went to 
New England by direction, and remained until 
October, when I returned to Chicago. About the 
time of my arrival home, the medium, Dr. Farns- 
worth, arrived at Chicago from California. He 
had an appointment from the Post- Office depart- 
ment in the summer as mail' agent upon the 
Pacific R. R., which he had filled until he was 
brought to this city by spirit influence, when 
through him the following papers were given for 
this book, in the order in which they bear dates. 

During the past summer I have received many 



212 PHILOSOPHY OP SPIRIT CONTROL. 

letters from Dr. Franklin on subjects important 
and interesting, with remarks upon and allusions 
to the nation, reconstruction, and the government, 
always pivotal upon the principle of justice. That 
which I have already published, I deem sufficient 
to satisfy any intelligent and honest mind that the 
Spirit Congress, under God, has been engaged in 
and virtually controlled the measures that have 
emancipated four millions of slaves, and again 
brought peace and quiet to the country. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

As I stated in the last chapter, Dr. Farnsworth 
came unexpectedly to Chicago, neither of us being 
aware of the object of his coming, until Dr. 
Franklin revealed to me that the Spirit Congress 
brought him here to give through him a few closing 
papers to complete the book upon the war, and 
also give what papers he could through him, upon 
social science. Some of the first given were upon 
the law of control and the conditions necessary to 
enable the spirits to write those papers through 
his hand. As they are interesting and instructive, 
I give them first ; they will help the reader to 
understand how the intelligent spirits are able to 
communicate to the people of earth. 

Oct. 19, 1869. 

My Friend : — I am very happy to have the 
power to give the communications necessary to 
complete the book ; but as I said before, to accom- 
plish my plan in giving these communications, it 
requires more than ordinary conditions. We have 
to make special ones. It is necessary for you to 
confine your thoughts as much as possible to the 
subjects that I am writing upon, while the medium 



214 PHILOSOPHY OP SPIRIT CONTROL. 

is being controlled to write, and your mind must 
be free from business cares, and in sympathy with 
no one but the medium. For the time being give 
all your energies to the work, and so conduct your- 
self that your mind will be clear and vigorous. 
The medium is required to pursue the same course. 
* * * No human being has sufficient individ- 
uality and strength to acquire riches, and at the 
same time use and develop his spiritual faculties. 
The means that you resort to in the accumu- 
lation of money are antagonistic to spiritual 
unfoldment. We sometimes have power to assist 
persons in pecuniary matters, when the use of the 
money is devoted to spiritual improvement ; the 
controlling influence must be assured of this before 
any aid can be given. 

There is no class of human beings requiring 
more sympathy and appreciation than well devel- 
oped mediums. There are times when they require 
as much protection from the beings of earth as a 
delicately organized child — they should have 
guardians in human form to look after their wel- 
fare. The condition of society as it now exists 
amongst you, is antagonistic to spiritual culture. 
Thus you see the various obstacles that mediums 
have to overcome, and the opposing influences we 
have to contend with — but notwithstanding all 
these, we are gaining ground. 

The practice of rigid economy does more to 
unfold the spiritual capacities of mankind than 
can be derived from associations or societies. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 21& 

I should never have enjoyed the use of my fac- 
ulties as I did in earth life, had I not practiced 
rigid economy. I never could have been a philos- 
opher had I not been an economist. I never could 
have performed good to my fellow man, had not 
I been consistent with the laws which governed 
my being. 

Through economy I was taught how to live and 
enjoy all possible to be enjoyed upon earth. I am 
now realizing the blessed results of my course, 
and am delegated by powers above me to commu- 
nicate to the beings of earth, and you are one of 
my best instruments. 

Franklin. 
Oct. 20, 1869." 

My Friend : — The use of your powers are of 
as much consequence to me in giving the papers, 
as those of the medium. I impress you — the 
emanations from your being are the positive cur- 
rents that regulate and hold in place the powers 
of the medium, so that I may bring my influence 
to bear upon them, and control them to give my 
thoughts. i 

In the first place, if you are in proper condition 
I impress you ; if you receive my impressions and 
write accordingly, the first condition is fulfilled by 
you, necessary to receive a communication from 
me. In reality the matter or thoughts I wish to 
convey to you are already formed, and if you 
could then be rendered sufficiently negative, you 
would be controlled to write the answer to your 



216 PHILOSOPHY OF SPIRIT CONTROL. 

letter yourself, but you cannot have the two powers 
operating at the same time — consequently, I 
bring into use the powers of the second person, 
(the medium,) still using the positive magnetic 
influence emanating from your being, upon him, as 
a motive power to propel and keep the machinery 
in motion, to telegraph my thoughts to you. When 
your condition and that of the medium is right, 
you receive my thoughts clear and unmixed. 

Much depends upon your condition when you 
write to me, as you are the first to be used to 
excite the train of thought. Study well, look into 
all these fine conditions, and if there is aught you 
do not comprehend, write me and I will explain. 

Franklin. 
Oct. 23, 1869. _ 

My Friend : — In communicating to you by 
writing, your spiritual emanations and those of the 
medium, form the instrument for me to control ; 
your emanations are the material necessary to use 
to enable me to act upon and use the emanations 
of the medium. Both combined give me the 
materials to construct the spiritual electrical bat- 
tery which I use, exactly as I would use a tele- 
graph instrument, to transmit messages. Your 
mode of telegraphing is visible — you perceive it 
through the normal senses. 

The telegraph I use is invisible, as you can per- 
ceive it only through your spiritual sight ; you 
are the first agent used to enable me to produce 
the communication. The message you receive 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 217 

from me, however, is not colored or in any way 
influenced by the material you furnish — as my 
influences are positive to yours, thereby giving me 
the power to originate and communicate thoughts 
entirely foreign to your perception. 

Every organ of the brain has its spiritual 
counterpart, which forms the spiritual emanations. 
The quality or condition of the brain gives off 
similar qualities and conditions to those of the 
spirit. Hence the more intellectual and spiritually 
unfolded and refined you become, the better ; you 
give us a finer quality of material to use to aid us 
in giving communications. In proportion to your 
spiritual culture you will receive communications 
superior to your originating. Although the first 
condition is taken from you, the communication 
does not partake of your thoughts, and your mind 
has no influence whatever upon those I give. 

My system of communicating can only bo 
understood by the analysis of the action of elec- 
tricity in all its component parts and powers. 

Your system of telegraphing is the working and 
science of material matter, while mine is the science 
of power and life — and as the controlling agent 
is above the instrument, spirit above matter, cause 
above effect, so it can only be appreciated through 
the spiritual perception of man. 

Were the communications you receive a reflec- 
tion of your mind, I should have no need to use 
the powers of a second person ; you could be con- 
trolled to write your own answer. By bringing 



218 PHILOSOPHY OF SPIRIT CONTROL. 

into use the second person, I gain positive con- 
trolling power over your thoughts. 

Mind and spirit are one ; they are organized 
electrical substances, taking individual form and 
action. Spiritual electricity is of the nature of 
mind, only general in its province of action — 
permeating the universe, having no limit to its 
movements. Franklin. 

Lincoln to Richmond. 



Chicago, Oct. 24, 1869. 

Thomas Richmond — Sir: With pleasure I 
communicate to you. While I was Chief Magis- 
trate and during the war, you wrote to me setting 
forth the course to be pursued, to enable our 
armies to be victorious and abolish slavery. Your 
letter was considered by me, and the plan you 
suggested was favorably received. 

A few of my confidential advisers by whom I 
was then surrounded, Senator Howard, Stanton, 
and some members of the House concurred with 
me in the means you set forth, but I met with 
great opposition from the leading Generals in the 
field, and but little support from the result of the 
councils held upon the matter. God in His wis- 
dom, kept the subject before me, until I was made 
to stand alone ; and the power which I conceived 
came from God, whom I had recognized and 
obeyed for many years, commanded me as the only 
alternative to put into action your instructions. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 219 

When under the influence of the Higher Power y no 
human agency could change my purpose* 

1 obeyed the mandate, believing that through 
you as an instrument from God, the command was 
given me. 

It proved the deathblow to slavery, and our 
armies were victorious. I also received other 
letters from you, which strengthened and sup- 
ported me in my views. God communicated to 
me through you and many others. He also influ- 
enced me without any apparent instrumentality, 
I believed as you do in the means He used to make 
known His wishes to us. It was His power that 
sustained me through the severe and trying cir- 
cumstances by which I was surrounded. 

I can now perceive that I was simply an agent 
or instrument in His hands to conduct the rebel- 
lion in such a manner that slavery might be abol- 
ished. I had but few supporters among the advi- 
sers who were with me. My support came from 
God, through the ministration of His instruments. 
You were used as an instrument to give me 
strength, and your help came when all other 
resources failed, and at the most perilous hour of 
my administration. If you wish to have more 
from me write and I shall be happy to reply. 

A. Lincoln. 



220 PHILOSOPHY OP SPIRIT CONTROL. 

Washington to Richmond, 

Chicago, Oct. 24, 1869. 

Thomas Richmond — Sir : I am happy to be 
able to communicate to you. I now see tbe power 
that aided and controlled me to establish American 
independence. I was God's chosen instrument to 
assist in ushering into existence the great American 
Republic. In our counsels we foresaw the result 
that African slavery would have upon the nation 
eventually, but supposed as it advanced in wisdom, 
slavery would be abolished by the voice of the 
people. 

Through God's instrumentality all means were 
used to make the nation comprehend its condition, 
and the terrible injustice that was being allowed 
to flourish in its midst, and the necessity of eman- 
cipating the negro. His means were of no avaiL 
The people did not comply with His demands, 
consequently from necessity He caused the rebel- 
lion, in order that they might be obeyed. 

We sat in council in spirit life, those who had 
formerly held counsel while at the head of your 
government. We selected our instruments, forti- 
fied them with power from God to go forth and 
eradicate the great stain upon your government. 
You were one of our chief instruments to act in a 
silent manner upon the leaders who deliberated 
upon the affairs of your nation. 

Dr. Franklin, the philosopher, had you in charge 
and directed you. You have been obedient to hia 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 221 

wishes, and faithful to your charge, and the main 
object of the war has been attained. You have 
also been used as God's instrument in bringing 
about the reconstruction of the States. 

You, like myself and others whom God chose 
to perform missions for the good of humanity, will 
reap a- rich reward. You have served our pur- 
pose well, and I recognize the good results of your 
labors. I have counselled you from time to time, 
and feel pleased that you have kept a record of 
all that has transpired, and trust that all men will 
read and believe in God's wisdom and goodness to 
our fellow creatures. 

Washington. 
Oct. 26, 1869. 

My Friend : — A great and powerful nation 
sustained and encouraged human slavery — a sin 
in the eyes of the Ruler of the Universe. The 
people were being cursed by its effects. 

This great sin could be removed only by war 
and great suffering. The Spirit Congress, com- 
posed of those who once held positions on earth, 
were delegated by the great Ruler of all things to 
institute conditions through the power that they 
could exert over human beings, of mingling among 
the leading men of your land, and selecting the 
one best fitted to inaugurate a new state of things, 
and to hold firm to justice, and soar above the sel- 
fishness and inhumanity of those already in power, 
surrounding him. With all the adverse influences 
that opposed him on every hand at the commence- 



222 PHILOSOPHY OP SPIRIT CONTROL. 

merit of his administration, Mr. Lincoln was made 
strong and wielded a great power over the nation, 
because he was just and good, and was sustained 
by the Spirit Congress, they using you as their 
instrument to approach him, and open the avenues 
of his being to the illumination of wisdom from 
the spirit spheres. 

At times he faltered at the task before him, as 
he had none near him who could perceive the great 
good to his fellow man that he was accomplishing. 
Even he could not perceive his real mission. God 
had selected him for the work however, and had 
provided him with a staff, on which he might lean, 
when doubt and uncertainty oppressed him. 

The struggle commenced — battle after battle 
was fought. There was no other way to remedy 
the evil; necessity demanded the slaughter of 
human beings upon the battlefield — the leading 
characteristics of the enemy's madness made 
known, before the nation would awake to the 
enormous evil that existed in its midst. 

We had communicated to Mr. Lincoln through 
your instrumentality, the course to be pursued. 
Some Senators assisted him in maintaining the 
plan we set forth in your message to him — he 
acted upon it. Then the death-knell of slavery 
sounded throughout your nation ; the manhood of 
the race then in bondage was recognized by him 
— they were ordered to stand side by side with 
the white man on the battlefield, with equal privi- 
leges, and free themselves. Thus the abolition of 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 223 

slavery was accomplished ; there were no other 
means through which it could have been done. 
Through the influences from the spirit world, 
Abraham Lincoln, when President, was stimulated 
and inspired to perform the great good he has 
done. You were one of our chief instruments 
used in impressing our will upon him, and sur- 
rounding him with the influences required to sus- 
tain him in all the struggles which he was forced 
to pass through. His work is more manifest — 
yours, although unobserved, was of equal impor- 
tance. You have been faithful as he was to the 
powers that controlled you, and will reap a rich 
reward. 

You possess a powerful magnetic constitution. 
Through adverse conditions of earth life, you were 
brought under my control — you surrendered 
yourself to my charge. You possess great faith t 
enthusiasm, decision, and perseverance — combined 
with these faculties is an unlimited devotion to 
justice, with clear perceptions of right. 

Abraham Lincoln is now enjoying the fruition 
of his acts, while you are struggling with my 
assistance to inaugurate a great reform which is 
required by your people. The entire late rebel- 
lion that you have passed through, was made sub- 
ject to the administrators that Grod appointed to 
I do His work, each one filling his mission in order. 
[ African slavery is abolished ; yet though quiet 
seems to prevail in your government counsels, re- 
form is still required ere vou can become a power- 
ful nation. Franklin. 



224 philosophy op spirit control. 

Chicago, Nov. 2, 1869. 

My Friend ; — For many years God appealed 
to the moral and religious sentiments of the people 
of the United States, using such men as Garrison, 
Phillips, and many others, who were inspired to 
teach the people the justice and necessity of abol- 
ishing slavery. 

! These instruments wore true to the inspiration 
given them. They made the best use of their 
powers, in enforcing the demands of justice, but 
the people were blind to their teachings, and would 
not heed their appeals — could not perceive that 
God through His instruments was laboring to ele- 
vate the people to a higher standard of morality 
and justice — laboring to teach them that human 
slavery was degrading to them, that it was a sin 
in His sight, and that He would not allow it longer 
ito exist. If it could not be abolished by appealing 
[to the higher natures of the people, necessity 
! required a resort to their lower passions, to produce 
a civil war among them. In the great conflict of 
jbattle He also had His instruments through whom 
to work out His designs. 

He succeeded — slavery was abolished. The 
Spirit Congress held counsel as to the best means 
to be used to conduct the affairs of the nation 
they so much loved. They selected their chief 
instruments to aid them in inspiring and impressing 
those who held responsible positions in government 
who were open to the demands of justice, and 
could through the magnetism of their beings 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 225 

receive wisdom and strength from the higher 
powers. You were directed to form a circle in, 
Boston, in 1861, of three persons, and the mem- 
bers were told to set for the purpose of estab- 
lishing magnetic conditions or batteries, you being 
the chief instrument used to form the conditions. 

Through your magnetic relations, or on those 
electrical cords emanating from your brain, we 
impressed those persons who sat in council upon 
the affairs of your nation, during the war. After 
the war during the sessions of Congress, while the 
States were being reconstructed, you were sent to 
Washington, to mingle with the members of Con- 
gress, that by your coming in direct contact with 
them we could exert more power over them, and 
through your influence have the States recon- 
structed according to the wish of the Higher 
Power. The States are now nearly reconstructed, 
but your labors with Congress are not completed, 

Franklin. 
Chicago, Nov. 5, 18^9. 

My Friend : — Concerning the impeachment of 
Johnson, the Spirit Congress was satisfied with 
his trial. He was impeached in the minds of the 
American people, and the course pursued through- 
out his trial, was in accordance with the wisdom 
from the higher spheres — their object was attained. 

The emancipation of the Hebrews from Egyp- 
tian bondage was brought about by the same 
power and instrumentalities from Grod that pro- 
duced the emancipation of the negroes from 
American slavery. 



226 PHILOSOPHY OP SPIRIT CONTROL 

You, Lincoln, and others were used as God's 
agents, and were controlled by the same magnetio 
laws that controlled Moses and Aaron to emanci- 
pate the Hebrews. 

You were being prepared through God's agency 
for the important part you filled, for nearly forty 
years. God foresaw and determined what in jus- 
tice must be accomplished, and prepared His 
instruments for the work. 

Franklin, 

I had supposed that the preceding papers cov- 
ered all that was designed by Dr. Franklin and 
other spirits for this book. 

The medium having arrived at my house, to re- 
main a short time, and the publication of this book 
being near at hand, I wrote to Dr. Franklin, ask- 
ing him if he desired to give anything further for 
it. In reply, the following message came. 

Chicago, Aug. 13, 1870. 

My Friend: — It is with the highest satisfaction 
that I give you a paper to close your book. The 
record of the instructions you have received from 
the spirits who have had you in charge, and your 
movements and doings during the rebellion — the 
instrumentalities used — the power exerted over 
President Lincoln — your mission made known to 
you — the abolition of slavery brought about, as 
prophesied by us — all these establish the great 
truth of spirit communion, and show that you were 
chosen by God to fill the same mission that Moses 
did in the abolition of Egyptian slavery. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 227 

This great good to humanity has been accom- 
plished, and you now have the satisfaction of wit- 
nessing the results. The American nation never 
was in a more prosperous condition, because the 
stain of slavery has been removed, and there is 
more general harmony at the center of your gov- 
ernment — more amicable relations between the 
North and South, and the people generally are 
more susceptible to the laws of progress and 
reform in all departments of earth life. They are 
more susceptible of spiritual culture, because the 
power that has produced so great a change in your 
nationality is still with you, working and mani- 
festing itself in all departments, for the highest 
good of the people. 

You have been the instrument in overthrowing a 
great evil, and you have a greater good to perform 
in establishing social conditions of a higher order 
than now exists, before you pass from earth life. 

The American people are a favored nation, and 
have much cause for gratitude. They are suscep- 
tible, energetic and persevering; they are more 
generally susceptible to the subtile and magnetic 
conditions that favor spirit control, than any other 
people. This is the reason why what you term 
Spiritualism has progressed more, and manifested 
more power among you, than in any other land. 

Before the birth of your nation, God foresaw 
the conditions that could be established to advance 
Christianity and spiritual culture. He brought 
his forces to bear upon your nation, and step by 



228 PHILOSOPHY OP SPIRIT CONTROL, 

step it has progressed, and as fast as the people 
have been prepared to receive light, it has been 
given to them. 

John Murray, the founder of Universalism in 
America, was sent from England, a medium, to 
your shores to proclaim his mission — to do God'a 
service. He was faithful to his charge, and per- 
formed a great work for the good of humanity. 

To give him more faith and enthusiasm in hia 
labors, God had a church and home erected for 
him before his arrival, by a man wholly unknown 
to the world, or Mr. Murray. This man saw the 
vessel that bore Murray, ere it anchored, and pro- 
claimed to the inhabitants of the town that hia 
minister was on board, and would preach in hia 
church on a given day. He came, and all wag 
brought about as God desired, through Murray, 
his instrument. 

Thus you can trace the progress of the Ameri- 
can people, in politics, in religion, in science, the 
fine arts, and in society — with the same power 
which controlled you during the rebellion, to brings 
about the purpose for which you are adapted, and 
which God designed from the commencement. 

This spirit power has operated uponjrour nation 
since its birth — but not with the power which it 
now holds, because the magnetic or spiritual rela- 
tions of the people were not sufficiently unfolded 
to furnish the requisite conditions. As soon as 
the power could be made manifest to the people it 
was done, and with the most available instruments. 



MESSAGES TO RICHMOND. 229 

I desire the reader of your book to peruse with 
care the record of your doings connected with the 
late rebellion, and he will find the manifestations 
of power entirely outside of your nature and devel- 
opment, completely opposite to the bent of your 
faculties, showing that a high and unseen influence 
had you under its control, impelling you to action, 
and that no power but the Divine could have con- 
trolled you to pursue the course you have. 

Franklin. 



CHAPTER XX. 

To the patient reader who has carefully pe- 
rused the previous pages, I have a few words to 
add. This book claims the same authority that is 
claimed for the Bible. So much of it as is not 
merely personal history, came from the Divine 
Mind as manifestly as any portion of the Bible. 

The modes of life of mankind have greatly 
changed since Abram pitched his tent in the 
shadow of the oak on the plains of Mamre, and 
Sarah, the mother of the Hebrew nation, baked 
her cakes in the ashes — when the world was 
young, life was simple, and man was true to his 
nature. 

Something less than four thousand years ago, 
God raised up a new nation, by calling Abram 
and Sarah into the wilderness. He made them 
the parents of that numerous offspring known as 
the Hebrews. 

In process of time these people found them- 
selves slaves in Egypt, downtrodden and oppressed. 
Being a religious people, they cried unto the Lord 
for help. Grod heard their cry, and sent them 
deliverance. 



THE COMPARISON AND ARGUMENT. 231 

A trifle less than four hundred years ago, God 
opened the way for a new nation of people in a 
wilderness — one that had been hidden and kept 
from human knowledge for this use, until He 
inspired Columbus with faith that such a land 
existed, and a desire to find it. He discovered 
this Continent, and the American nation was begun* 

In process of time this young nation became 
slaveholding, following the example of the lordly 
Egyptians. The poor African slave, too, " cried 
unto the Lord for deliverance." 

In 1860 " the fulness of time had come ; " God 
heard their cry, and through public sentiment, 
political and governmental movements, and the 
madness of the slaveholder, brought emancipation 
to four million slaves. The analogy is so great I 
propose to trace it. In each case God took the 
part of the slave against the master, and sent mes- 
sengers to appeal to the moral nature and sense of 
justice of the slaveholder, which had no further 
effect than to exasperate him, and in return he 
imposed still greater burdens upon the poor slave. 

Having tried the moral sentiments of the people 
in vain, he resorted to the passions of the slave- 
holder. Here he found elements of success — the 
madness of tne slaveholder brought freedom to the 
slave. Both of these cases of slavery were the 
fruits of avarice — both were commenced by indi- 
viduals for private gain — both had existed for 
more than two hundred years — both had become 
national in responsibility. 



BIBLE DEFENCE OP SPIRITUALISM. 

In both cases the responsible parties alike re- 
sisted all appeals in behalf of the oppressed. In 
each case God had prepared instruments to work 
out His purposes, men to act on men, mind to act 
ojq mind, and in each case freed the slaves, to the 
despoiling of the slaveholder. The same God who 
emancipated the Hebrews wrought deliverance to 
the African. The same Power that summoned 
Moses from the sheepcote, called me from com- 
mercial pursuits, and Lincoln from the bar. The 
same power and law which instructed and guided 
Moses in his work, directed and guided us in ours. 

The angel who talked to Moses from- the fiery 
bush, and Franklin, who talked and wrote to me, 
both communicated through the same power and 
law, both had the same authority, and were anima- 
ted by the same grand purpose, justice to oppressed 
humanity. Moses and myself regarded the call 
from the Lord alike. , 

iThat communication from the angel in the 
burning bush to Moses, was what is now called 
Spiritualism. All the passages in the Bible, where 
the u Lord spake unto Moses," and all other mes- 
sages, whether through prophet or apostle, coming 
from the invisible world, are what is termed Spiri- 
tualism. Prophets and apostles were what are now 
called mediums. God has not changed — princi- 
ples are the same, justice and truth the same, as 
when God heard the cry of the Hebrews. The 
methods and intelligence of the people have 
changed — names and manifestations have greatly 



THE COMPARISON AND ARGUMENT. 233 

changed. All this is Spiritualism now. The 
modes of communicating are explained in this 
book ; science dispels wonder. What is Spiritual- 
ism ? I answer, First, belief in man's immor- 
tality ; Second, a belief that the spirits of men 
gone into spirit life, can and do communicate to 
mortals, by the aid of the natural faculties of both, 
and this is the full sum of its faith. Beyond this 
there is no central faith ; each believes as he is led 
by evidences. What is the faith of Christianity ? 
I answer, First, belief in the immortality of man ; 
Second, a belief that the departed spirits of men 
have communicated to mortals. The grand diff- 
erence lies between the words have and do. The 
testimony in this book proves that they do ; the 
testimony of the Bible proves that they have com- 
municated in the past. 

For further proof that spirits do communicate, 
I offer the thousands of living mediums and the 
millions of Spiritualists who are mingling with 
the unbelievers every day, as witnesses. For proof 
that they have communicated, I offer the sixty-six 
messages in the Bible called " Books," and the 
whole array of prophets and apostles — especially 
the prophet Daniel, chap. 10 : John, in Revela- 
tions chap. 22, v. 8, 9 : Peter, James and John, 
who saw and heard Moses and Elias talking with 
Christ, and hundreds of other instances in the 
Bible. 

I quote the Bible as divine authority, not 
intending by comparison any disrespect for it, but 



234 BIBLE DEFENCE OP SPIRITUALISM. 

to show that God lives amongst us and has opened 
up a new dispensation to man. Religionists 
seem to think that God retired from the world 
nearly two thousand years ago, and left it to grope 
in darkness. Spiritualists generally believe that 
God is near us, with us, guiding and controlling 
the affairs of men, nations, and the universe, He 
imparting influence and truths to those who believe 
and will receive them. Every inspired word in the 
Bible was given through mediums called prophets 
or apostles in those days — some of it in trance, 
some in visions, impressions, and dreams. Many 
of the clergy and opposers of Spiritualism, admit 
that evil spirits do communicate with mortals, but 
deny that high and elevated ones do. A minister 
some years since was appointed by his fellows to 
examine Spiritualism, and report, which he did, to 
the above effect. 

I doubt not his, or their honesty, in their tests 
and experiments ; this, doubtless, was their expe- 
rience. The law of attraction governs spirit 
movements — like attracts like. Seeking fraud 
and deception, they attracted similar spirits, 
responding to their expectations. 

Christ says, " he that doeth my will shall know 
of my doctrine." Failing to do it, leaves one in 
darkness, and they cannot discover the truth. 

What evidences are there of the truths of the 
communications through the prophets and apostles, 
outside of their own assertions ? I answer none 
at all, different from that of mediums now. All 



THE COMPARISON AND ARGUMENT. 235 

the old prophets are self-announced, giving their 
names and their communications ; they give no 
outside testimony or proof of the truth of their 
messages. The mediums give abundant tests to 
living people, and proofs from the spirit world. 

If a spirit of " the appearance of a man " 
could come and converse with Daniel, the prophet ; 
if the spirits of Moses and Elias could return and 
talk with Christ, so that Peter, James and John 
saw and heard ; if the spirit of one of the old 
prophets could show John all that he tells in the 
Book of the Revelations ; if a spirit could send 
Ananias to talk with Paul, and restore his sight ; 
if Cornelius saw a spirit, which told him to send 
for Peter, and thousands of like cases recorded in 
the Bible ; why may not spirits talk and write 
through mediums now as well as then ? If an angel 
could talk to Moses, may not one talk to me under 
like conditions ? 

I ask, has God changed ? Has He repealed the 
law by which He and spirits communicated with 
men, in ancient days ? 

I know that there are those who repudiate this 
doctrine of spirit communion and manifestations. 
I know that the church and religionists repudiate 
the faith and claims of Spiritualism, as the priest- 
hood and Jewish Church did the teachings of 
Christ and the Apostles, eighteen hundred years 
ago, and repeat " Away with it ! " " Away with 
it ! " we don't believe a word of it ! To all such 
I reply, in Paul's language : 



2S6 BIBLE DEFENCE OP SPIRITUALISM. 

" What if some do not believe '( Shall their 
unbelief make the truth of God of none effect? 
God forbid. Let God be true, and every man 
a liar." 

I ask no one to doubt the truth of the Bible, 
but I say that prophets and apostles were men, and 
of like passions with men and mediums of these 
days, and no more likely to be pure and incorrup- 
tible, than people of the present age. Inspira- 
tion is the same now that it was when Jeremiah 
mourned over Israel. 



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